You cannot deceive a man of my age and of my experience.

I divine your intentions--you hate the Sairmeuse family more mortally than ever." "I ?" "Yes, you; and if you pretend to forget it, it is only that they may forget it.

These people have offended you too cruelly not to fear you; you understand this, and you are doing all in your power to reassure them.

You accept their advances--you kneel before them--why?
Because they will be more completely in your power when you have lulled their suspicions to rest, and then you can strike them more surely----" He paused; the communicating door opened, and Marie-Anne appeared upon the threshold.
"Father," said she, "here is the Marquis de Sairmeuse." This name, which Marie-Anne uttered in a voice of such perfect composure, in the midst of this excited discussion, possessed such a powerful significance, that M.d'Escorval stood as if petrified.
"He dares to come here!" he thought.

"How can it be that he does not fear the walls will fall and crush him ?" M.Lacheneur cast a withering glance at his daughter.