"I will tell the wife of your return," he said. "You promised to take your supper with us, you remember."
"I fear I must break my promise," said Charlotte, with a sad smile. "There will be no time for supper to-night."
"But my little Jean is so looking forward——"
"Poor little Jean," she interrupted; "I am so sorry to disappoint him. But he will forgive me, I know. And by the by," she continued, "I am expecting a visitor this evening. Will you please see that he is admitted the moment he arrives?"
Chabot, who up to this time had been sitting unperceived in the corner of the cell, gave vent to a low chuckle.
Charlotte looked about at the sound, and as her eye fell upon the sinister figure of the ex-priest, she could not repress a shudder.
"You!" she exclaimed, starting back suddenly.
Chabot advanced toward her, with mock politeness, which the expression on his face belied. "At your service!" he said, with a low bow.
"But why are you here? What do you want with me?" asked the frightened girl.