He felt sure that Madame would believe the worst of him; to judge from their conversations, ladies, good as they all were, invariably did seem to believe the worst in such affairs.

Should he throw himself upon the mercy of the Pasteur?
Again, no.

It would be so hard to make him comprehend.

Also, if he did, he might suggest that the altar was the only possible expiation.

And--and, oh! he must confess it, she was very nice and sweet, but he did _not_ wish to marry Juliette and live with her all his life.
No, there was but one thing to be done: keep the burden of his secret locked in his own breast, though, unfortunately, it was locked as well in those of Juliette and of two uninvited observers, and probably would soon also be locked in the capacious bosom of Madame Riennes.