He was afraid.
"Take care!" he said.
"Of what ?" asked the young girl, with a troubled voice.

"What have I to fear now ?" "What do you wish ?" resumed Panine, with old firmness, and with a gesture of impatience.
"I wish to speak with you immediately." "You see that is impossible." "I must." Cayrol and Herzog approached.

Serge smiled at Jeanne with a sign of the head which meant "Yes." The young girl turned away in silence, awaiting the fulfilment of the promise made.
Cayrol took her by the hand with tender familiarity.
"What were you saying to the happy man who has gained the object of his dreams, Mademoiselle?
It is not to him you must speak, but to me, to give me hope.

The moment is propitious; it is the day for betrothals.
You know how much I love you; do me the favor of no longer repulsing me as you have done hitherto! If you would be kind, how charming it would be to celebrate the two weddings on the same day.

One church, one ceremony, one splendid feast would unite two happy couples.