She was afraid.

Would she never be able to break off the remembrance?
Would his name be ever on her lips, his face ever before her eyes?
Thank heaven! she was about to leave.

Travelling, and the sight of strange places other than those where she had lived near Serge, would draw her attention from the persecution she suffered.

Her husband was about to take her away, to defend her.

It was his duty, and she would help him with energy.