Jack turned away from the window. The tall Sister of Mercy stood beside the bed where Lorraine lay.
Jack made a sign.
"She is asleep," murmured the Sister; "you may come nearer now. Close the window."
Before he could reach the bed the door was opened violently from without, and an officer entered swinging a lantern. He did not see Lorraine at first, but held the door open, saying to Jack: "Pardon, monsieur; this house is reserved. I am very sorry to trouble you."
Another officer entered, an old man, covered to the eyes by his crimson gold-brocaded cap. Two more followed.
"There is a sick person here," said Jack. "You cannot have the intention of turning her out! It is inhuman—"
He stopped short, stupefied at the sight of the old officer, who now stood bareheaded in the lantern-light, looking at the bed where Lorraine lay. It was the Emperor!—her father.
Slowly the Emperor advanced to the bed, his dreary eyes fixed on Lorraine's pale cheeks.
In the silence the cries from the street outside rose clear and distinct:
"Vive la République! À bas l'Empereur!"