"Jean!" she answered gravely, and went to the doorway, and looked down. "Do you think that anyone who fell here, who tripped coming along these steps, who stumbled at the threshold, would not be dashed to pieces in an instant?"
"I am sure he would. That is what affords you protection here."
"I do not mean that, Jean." She refrained from speaking for a moment. He put out his hand to her, and she took his. Both their hands trembled.
"Jean, I shall watch for the sunrise from the little window. If you and your father have not returned——"
"Then we shall both perish together in the oubliette."
"Yes—and the moment the sun comes up——"
"Noémi—what then?"
"The moment I see the first fire-spark——"
"Noémi!" He feared to hear what she was going to say.
"Yes, Jean, I shall throw myself down—here."