And Celia, lifting her head, said in a whisper: "Water!" The old woman poured some from a jug and held the glass to Celia's lips.
"Thank you," whispered Celia gratefully, and Adele came into the room.
She told the story of the night to Jeanne, and afterwards to Hippolyte when he joined them.
"And nothing gained!" cried the older woman furiously.

"And we have hardly a five-franc piece in the house." "Yes, something," said Adele.

"A necklace--a good one--some good rings, and bracelets.

And we shall find out where the rest is hid--from her." And she nodded at Celia.
The three people ate their supper, and, while they ate it, discussed Celia's fate.

She was lying with her head bowed upon her arms at the same table, within a foot of them.