She looked at her for a long time with moistened eyes, touched by such courage.

During the past fortnight not one word had been exchanged between them in reference to those things with which their hearts were full, and she was deeply moved by the strength of character and loyalty her daughter displayed in thus keeping her promise.

A sudden feeling of deep tenderness made her open her arms, and the young girl threw herself upon her breast, and in silence they clasped each other in a loving embrace.
Then, when Hubertine was able to speak, she said: "Ah! my poor child, I have been impatient to be alone with you, for you must know that now all is at an end; yes, quite at an end." Startled, Angelique rose quickly, exclaiming: "What! Is Felicien dead ?" "No! oh no!" "If he will never come again, it is only that he is dead." So Hubertine was obliged to explain to her that the day after the procession she had been to see him, and had made him also promise that he would keep way from them until he had the full authorisation of Monseigneur to do otherwise.

It was thus a definite leave-taking, for she knew a marriage would be utterly impossible.

She had made him almost distracted as she explained to him how wrongly he had done in thus compromising a young, ignorant, confiding child, whom he would not be allowed to make his wife; and then he had assured her, that if he could not see her again, he would die from grief, rather than be disloyal.
That same evening he confessed everything to his father.
"You see, my dear," continued Hubertine, "you are so courageous that I can repeat to you all I know without hesitation.