What with having to give an answer to the Prince as she had promised, and the longing to see him whom she loved as a son, she felt sick at heart and utterly cast down.

She thought of asking the Prince for a respite.

It was for that reason she was glad to see Cayrol.
The latter, therefore, had arrived opportunely.

He looked as if he brought startling news.

By a glance he drew Madame Desvarennes's attention to Marechal and seemed to say: "I must be alone with you; send him away." The mistress understood, and with a decided gesture said: "You can speak before Marechal; he knows all my affairs as well as I do myself." "Even the matter that brings me here ?" replied Cayrol, with surprise.
"Even that.