The moist, hot atmosphere was becoming quite oppressive.
"And so," said Gerard, "you won't drink a cup of tea ?" "No, it's so horrid here," she answered, while arranging her hair in front of the looking-glass.
At that parting moment the mournfulness of this place, where she had hoped to find such delightful memories, filled her with distress, which was turning to positive anguish, when she suddenly heard an uproar of gruff voices and heavy feet.

People were hastening along the passage and knocking at the doors.

And, on darting to the window, she perceived a number of policemen surrounding the chalet.

At this the wildest ideas assailed her.

Had her daughter employed somebody to follow her?
Did her husband wish to divorce her so as to marry Silviane?
The scandal would be awful, and all her plans must crumble! She waited in dismay, white like a ghost; while Gerard, also paling and quivering, begged her to be calm.