"Certainly, my good Julie."

"Very well, then, monsieur; it cannot go on any longer like this. I have
said nothing, and left you in your ignorance, out of respect and liking
for you, but it is too much, and every one in the neighborhood is
laughing at you. Everybody knows about it, and so I must tell you also,
although I do not like to repeat it. The reason why madame comes in at
any time she chooses is that she is doing abominable things."

He seemed stupefied and not to understand, and could only stammer out:

"Hold your tongue; you know I have forbidden you----"

But she interrupted him with irresistible resolution. "No, monsieur, I
must tell you everything now. For a long time madame has been carrying on
with Monsieur Limousin. I have seen them kiss scores of times behind the
door. Ah! you may be sure that if Monsieur Limousin had been rich, madame
would never have married Monsieur Parent. If you remember how the
marriage was brought about, you would understand the matter from
beginning to end."

Parent had risen, and stammered out, his face livid: "Hold your tongue
--hold your tongue, or----"

She went on, however: "No, I mean to tell you everything. She married you
from interest, and she deceived you from the very first day. It was all
settled between them beforehand. You need only reflect for a few moments
to understand it, and then, as she was not satisfied with having married
you, as she did not love you, she has made your life miserable, so