Is it not human fate to suffer?
After Madame de Bergenheim had given vent, by convulsive sobs and stifled sighs, to her grief for this love which she could not tear from her breast, she formed a desperate resolution.

From the manner in which M.de Gerfaut had taken possession of the chateau the very first day, she recognized that he was master of the situation.

The sort of infatuation which Mademoiselle de Corandeuil seemed to have for him, and Christian's courteous and hospitable habits, would give him an opportunity to prolong his stay as long as he desired.

She thus compared herself to a besieged general, who sees the enemy within his ramparts.
"Very well! I will shut myself up in the fortress!" said she, smiling in spite of herself in the midst of her tears.

"Since this insupportable man has taken possession of my drawing-room, I will remain in my own room; we will see whether he dares to approach that!" She shook her pretty head with a defiant air, but she could not help glancing into the room which was barely lighted with a night lamp.