"Was that the name you were to give me on my return ?" At these words, which so completely summed up the situation, Micheline remained silent.

Still she felt that at all hazards she must defend herself.

Her mother might come in at any moment.

Between Madame Desvarennes and her betrothed, what would become of her?
The hour was decisive.

Her strong love for Serge gave her fresh energy.
"Why did you go away ?" she asked, with sadness.
Pierre raised with pride his head which had been bent with anguish.
"To be worthy of you," he merely said.
"You did not need to be worthy of me; you, who were already above every one else.