Among women we understand each other.

Come, you were frightened, eh ?" Jeanne was one petrified, immovable, and dumb, she fixed her eyes on a flower which was hanging from a vase.

This red flower fascinated her.
She could not take her eyes off it.

Within her a persistent thought recurred: that of her irremediable misfortune.

Madame Desvarennes looked at her for a moment; then, gently touching her shoulder, resumed; "Won't you answer me?
Have you not confidence in me?
Have I not brought you up?
And if you are not born of me, have not the tenderness and care I have lavished upon you made me your real mother ?" Jeanne did not answer, but her eyes filled with tears; "You know that I love you," continued the mistress.