Don't fret, mother, I shall soon be back again, if I am not knocked on the head." Raynal took leave of them all.

When it came to Rose's turn, he drew her aside and whispered into her ear, "Who is the man ?" She started, and seemed dumfounded.
"Tell me, or I ask my wife." "She has promised me not to betray me: I made her swear.

Spare me now, brother; I will tell you all when you come back." "That is a bargain: now hear ME swear: he shall marry you, or he shall die by my hand." He confirmed this by a tremendous oath.
Rose shuddered, but said nothing, only she thought to herself, "I am forewarned.

Never shall you know who is the father of that child." He was no sooner gone than the baroness insisted on knowing what this private communication between him and Rose was about.
"Oh," said Rose, "he was only telling me to keep up your courage and Josephine's till he comes back." This was the last lie the poor entangled wretch had to tell that morning.

The next minute the sisters, exhausted by their terrible struggle, went feebly, with downcast eyes, along the corridor and up the staircase to Josephine's room.
They went hand in hand.