She was not at her ease, but she made a bold fight--which was more than was done by her uncle or her aunt.

Michel was unable to speak in his ordinary voice or with his usual authority, and Madame Voss hardly uttered a word.

Urmand, whose position was the hardest of all, struggled gallantly, but was quite unable to keep up any continued conversation.

The old lady had been thoroughly silenced, and neither she nor her sister again opened their mouth.

When Madame Voss rose from her chair in order that they might all retire, the consciousness of relief was very great.
For that night Marie's duty to her uncle was done.