"The Marquis de Condillac and his wife are still at La Rochette, waiting until my business here is done that they may come home." "His wife ?" she cried.
"His wife, madame.

He has brought home a wife from Italy." "Then--then--Marius ?" She said no more than that.

Maybe she had no intention of muttering even so much of her thoughts aloud.

But Garnache caught the trend of her mind, and he marvelled to see how strong a habit of thought can be.

At once upon hearing of the Marquis's marriage her mind had flown back to its wonted pondering of the possibilities of Marius's wedding Valerie.
But Garnache dispelled such speculations.
"No, madame," said he.