The sentences were as cutting as strokes from a whip.

The young girl's agitation was violent; her cheeks were red, and her breathing was hard and stifled with emotion.

She stopped for a moment; then, turning toward the Prince, and looking him full in the face, she said: "And so, this marriage is decided ?" Serge answered, "Yes." It was fainter than a whisper.

As if she could not believe it, Jeanne repeated: "You are going to marry Micheline ?" And as Panine in a firmer voice answered again, "Yes!" the young girl took two rapid steps and brought her flushed face close to him.
"And I, then ?" she cried with a violence she could no longer restrain.
Serge made a sign.

The drawing-room window was still open, and from outside they could be heard.
"Jeanne, in mercy calm yourself," replied he.