"None, Mademoiselle."
"They are searching the village?"
"I believe so."
"Where is Clon?" This in a lower voice, and with a kind of shrinking in her face.
I shook my head. "I believe they have him confined somewhere. And Louis, too," I said, "But I have not seen either of them."
"And where are--? I thought these people would be here," she muttered. And she glanced askance at the two vacant places. The servant had brought in the meal.
"They will be here presently," I said coolly. "Let us make the most of the time. A little wine and food will do Madame good."
She smiled rather sadly. "I think we have changed places," she said; "and that you have turned host, and we guests."
"Let it be so," I said cheerfully. "I recommend some of this ragoût. Come, Mademoiselle; fasting can aid no one. A full meal has saved many a man's life."
It was clumsily said perhaps, for she shuddered and looked at me with a ghastly smile. But she persuaded her sister to taste something; and she took something on her own plate and raised her fork to her lips. But in a moment she laid it down again. "I cannot," she murmured. "I cannot swallow. Oh, my God, at this moment they may be taking him!"