[They laugh together.]
[Enter Madame, excited, with bread.]
Madame. Such news as I have heard! The whole town is talking about it! We should have locks put on our doors at once!
Mlle. What is it, Madame? What have you heard?
Madame. They say there is a suspicious vagabond in the town. The inn-keeper refused to take him in. They say he is a released convict who once committed an awful crime.
[The Bishop is looking into the fire, paying no attention to Madame.]
Mlle. Do you hear what Madame is saying, brother?
Bishop. Only a little. Are we in danger, Madame?
Madame. There is a convict in town, your Reverence!
Bishop. Do you fear we shall be robbed?