And then in a tone of resolution she made answer: "You cannot marry Gerard." "Pray, why not ?" "Because I won't have it; because it's impossible." "That isn't a reason; give me a reason." "The reason is that the marriage is impossible that is all." "No, no, I'll tell you the reason since you force me to it.

The reason is that Gerard is your lover! But what does that matter, since I know it and am willing to take him all the same ?" And to this retort Camille's flaming eyes added the words: "And it is particularly on that account that I want him." All the long torture born of her infirmities, all her rage at having always seen her mother beautiful, courted and adored, was now stirring her and seeking vengeance in cruel triumph.

At last then she was snatching from her rival the lover of whom she had so long been jealous! "You wretched girl!" stammered Eve, wounded in the heart and almost sinking to the floor.

"You don't know what you say or what you make me suffer." However, she again had to pause, draw herself erect and smile; for Rosemonde hastened in from the adjoining room with the news that she was wanted downstairs.

The doors were about to be opened, and it was necessary she should be at her stall.