Modeste accompanied them, for two arms were needed to support the blind mother.

About a month before the scene to which this explanation is a parenthesis, Madame Mignon had taken counsel with her friends, Madame Latournelle, the notary, and Dumay, while Madame Dumay carried Modeste in another direction for a longer walk.
"Listen to what I have to say," said the blind woman.

"My daughter is in love.

I feel it; I see it.

A singular change has taken place within her, and I do not see how it is that none of you have perceived it." "In the name of all that's honorable--" cried the lieutenant.
"Don't interrupt me, Dumay.