“Now I must go,” said Jean. “Good-by—all.”
He opened the door, and Sidonie watched him anxiously as he departed.
Catherine asked them to be seated.
She was no longer the charming, gracious woman they had known. Two days of sorrow and shame and remorse had changed her into a sad-eyed woman, and every feature betrayed the suffering she had undergone. She extended her hand to little Sidonie.
“You love Bruno, little one, do you not? Tell me frankly.”
“Yes,” murmured Sidonie, hiding her blushing face.
“Then, my children, you must be married. My shadow must not stand between you.”
Bruno quickly rose.
“No, no, Madame. If I were to marry, I should choose Sidonie. But I shall never marry.”
“Why?”