Georges’ piratical lieutenant isn’t able to make any money by letting Gilles Longlegs know where the blonde Englishwoman has gone. She seems to have vanished completely.
A couple of weeks later, Georges is in his room behind the workshop which serves as a necessary cover for his activities, entertaining two women once again (perhaps this time one of them won’t pass out).
People might call them ‘Women of Easy Virtue’ or ‘Women of the Night’ but women have to make a living as best they can, particularly in times of social upheaval. Anyway, he sits with them perched one on each knee, and as the dark one of is a strapping girl he is even more proud than usual of his strong legs, heavily muscled like the rest of him. He has a hand on the blonde girl’s knee and is surreptitiously pinching the dark girl’s bottom.
He’s interrupted by a small boy running in, and glances down slightly irritated. “Yes, boy?”
“Citizen Gilles said to give you this.”
“Oh, did he?” Georges huffs. “If he thinks that I am coming to terms so easy over the cooked meat shop…”
The girls are all admiration at the ease with which he scans the note, but can tell from his dilated eyes and quickened breathing that the news isn’t good.
“Is it heavy news?” The dark girl is caressing his chest. “You read?”
The note says, ‘The truffles were gone before I knew of it.”
Georges flashes his white teeth in a wide smile. “Reading ain’t good for you.” Certainly, after only reading one line, his mood has changed completely. He goes on, ” I must disappint you girls – but not as much as myuself. I hope you will take a little gift from me..”
He tosses a coin too, to the gawping child. “I suppose I must talk with them others over this Take me to Gilles”
One of the girls kisses him. “Do not be naughty and get into a dispute with him…” The other is too busy putting the money in her bosom.
Georges sees the girls out gallantly. So Emile’s parents have gone unexpectedly to the guillotine…