They find themselves face to face with a husband who is not the expected Romeo, but who is a good man, devoted, loving, and ready to heal the wounds he has not made.

They are afraid of this husband; they mistrust him, and will not follow him.

It is wrong, because it is near him, in honorable and right existence, that they find peace and forgetfulness." Cayrol's heart was torn by anxiety, and with trembling voice he tried to read the effect of his words on Jeanne's features.

She had turned away.
Cayrol bent toward her and said: "You don't answer me." And as she still remained silent, he took her hand and forced her to look at him.

He saw that her face was covered with tears.