Jeanne looked surprised. Madame Desvarennes was silent for a moment.
She was thinking about Serge coming there that night. She had only to
say one word to Cayrol to prevent his going away. The life of this
wretch was entirely in her hands then! But Jeanne! Was she going to
ruin her? Had she the right thus to destroy one who had struggled and
had defended herself? Would it be just? Jeanne had been led on against
her will. She must question her. If the poor girl were suffering, if
she repented, she must spare her.

Madame Desvarennes, having thus made up her mind, turned toward Jeanne
who was waiting.

"It is a long time since I have seen you, my dear, and I find you happy
and smiling. It is the first time since your marriage that you have
seemed so happy."

Jeanne looked at the mistress without answering. In these words she
detected irony.

"You have found peace," continued Madame Desvarennes, looking steadfastly
at Jeanne with her piercing eyes. "You see, my dear, when you have a
clear conscience--for you have nothing to reproach yourself with?"

Jeanne saw in this sentence a question and not an affirmation. She
answered, boldly:

"Nothing!"

"You know that I love you, and would be most lenient," continued Madame