[Maria opens the cupboard, and takes out a pile of shirts, which she drops on the floor. While the two officers are busy picking them up, she hides the bonds under her apron.]
Maria. There they are,—eight of them!
Taelinck. That’s five for me,—but was there nothing more?
Maria. Nothing. [She locks the cupboard, and returns the key to D’Eglantiers.]
D’Eglantiers (aside to Maria). If I ever get into the Government, I’ll see that you have a pension.
Maria. I should like to ask you something, sir. First, about the landlord,—my master, you know,—the man you took prisoner yesterday, and who is in that room; will you set him free again?
D’Eglantiers. H’m! h’m! a rebel like that? but, since you ask it ... well, go and fetch him!
Maria. And in the second place, will you let my sister and my uncle, who are sleeping here, go back to their own village undisturbed?
D’Eglantiers. Where do they live?
Maria. Why ... not very far off.