The others did not know what to think, much less to say.

Aubertin sat by Camille's side; so the latter could hold no secret communication with either lady.
Now it was not the doctor's habit to rise at this time of the morning: yet there he was, going with them to Frejus uninvited.
Josephine was in agony; had their intention transpired through some imprudence of Camille?
Camille was terribly uneasy.

He concluded the secret had transpired through female indiscretion.

Then they all tortured themselves as to the old man's intention.

But what seemed most likely was, that he was with them to prevent a clandestine marriage by his bare presence, without making a scene and shocking Josephine's pride: and if so, was he there by his own impulse?
No, it was rather to be feared that all this was done by order of the baroness.