And very soon she felt Antonia's white face and silent companionship to be just as unendurable.

She would be alone.

Not even Rachela would she have near her.

She put out all the lights but the taper above a large crucifix, and at its foot she sat down in tearless abandon, alone with her reproaches and her remorse.
Antonia watched with her mother, though shut out from her presence.
She feared for a state of mind so barren of affection, so unsoftened by tears.

Besides, it was the climax of a condition which had continued ever since she had sent her boy away without a word of love.