A glance at her adopted son's face increased her fears.

She opened her arms and clasped Pierre to her heart.
After the first emotions were over, she longed to know what had happened during her absence, and inquired of Pierre: "By whom were you received on arriving here ?" "By Micheline." "That is what I feared! What did she tell you ?" "Everything!" In three sentences these two strong beings had summed up all that had taken place.

Madame Desvarennes remained silent for a moment, then, with sudden tenderness, and as if to make up for her daughter's treachery, said: "Come, let me kiss you again, my poor boy.

You suffer, eh?
and I too! I am quite overcome.

For ten years I have cherished the idea of your marrying Micheline.