An interview was, therefore, arranged at Headquarters.
On the morning of the day it took place, Carnac's anguished mother went with him to the little railway station of Charlemont.

She had slept little the night before; her mind was in an eddy of emotions.

It seemed dreadful that Carnac should fight his own father, repeating what Fabian had done in another way.

Yet at the bottom of her heart there was a secret joy.

Some native revolt in her had joy in the thought that the son might extort a price for her long sorrow and his unknown disgrace.
As she had listened to Barouche at the meeting, she realized how sincere yet insincere he was; how gifted and yet how ungracious was his mind.
Her youth was over; long pain and regret had chastened her.