Good heavens, how
utterly exhausted she seems after these hours of fear!
But somebody _is_ there! Yes ... outside ... there between the trees ...
I see somebody coming....
It is only Torp, with her lantern, and the dressmaker from the
neighbouring village. The moment she opened the basement door and I
heard her voice I felt quite myself again.
* * * * *
We have eaten ravenously, like wolves. For the first time Jeanne sat at
table with me and shared my meal. For the first and probably for the
last time. Torp opened her eyes very wide, but she was careful to make
no observations.
My fit of madness to-night has taught me that the sooner I have a man of
some kind to protect the house the better.
* * * * *
Jeanne has confided in me. She was too upset to sleep, and came knocking
at my bedroom door, asking if she might come in. I gave her permission,
although I was already in bed. She sat at the foot of my bed and told me
her story.
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