At last she could walk and she took his arm.

The town hall struck three as they went past.
Outside their own door Jean kissed her, saying: "Good-night, mother, keep up your courage." She stealthily crept up the silent stairs, and into her room, undressed quickly, and slipped into bed with a reawakened sense of that long-forgotten sin.

Roland was snoring.

In all the house Pierre alone was awake, and had heard her come in..