“Why, Madame Barrau’s lovers, of course.”
“You mean Firmin?”
“Yes, and Bruno, too.”
“What, young Bruno?”
“Why not?”
At this moment little Sidonie appeared. From the instant she learned of the crime she had been a prey to tormenting doubts. Bruno’s words on the day of the wedding recurred to her mind.
“For her,” he had said, “I would be capable of anything—even of crime.”
“Of crime,” repeated the lame girl, who, though she trembled like a leaf, possessed an unshaken love for Bruno.
She arrived just in time to hear Bruno accused. A burning desire to defend him filled her soul, but another feeling kept her silent. The moment had not come to take up his defence. When the accusation became formal, then would be her time.
The conversation was continued, everybody having a word to say on the subject.