No affliction was ever deeper or more complete than hers.

At last a deep sigh broke the stillness, and all eyes turned towards the sound.
Marthe, forgotten in a corner, rose, exclaiming, "Death! They will kill them in spite of their innocence!" "Mademoiselle, what is the matter with you ?" said the abbe.
Laurence left the room without replying.

She needed solitude to recover strength in presence of this terrible unforeseen disaster..