The high-spirited girl was greatly agitated: and Aubertin, though he did not acquit her of all blame, soothed her, and made excuses for her.
“We must not always judge by results,” said he. “Things turned unfortunately. You did for the best. I forgive you for one. That is, I will forgive you if you promise not to act again without my advice.”
“Oh, never! never!”
“And, above all, no imprudence about that child. In three little weeks they will be together without risk of discovery. Well, you don’t answer me.”
Rose’s blood turned cold. “Dear friend,” she stammered, “I quite agree with you.”
“Promise, then.”
“Not to let Josephine go to Frejus?” said Rose hastily. “Oh, yes! I promise.”
“You are a good girl,” said Aubertin. “You have a will of your own. But you can submit to age and experience.” The doctor then kissed her, and bade her farewell.
“I leave for Paris at six in the morning,” he said. “I will not try your patience or hers unnecessarily. Perhaps it will not be three weeks ere she sees her child under her friend’s roof.”
The moment Rose was alone, she sat down and sighed bitterly. “There is no end to it,” she sobbed despairingly. “It is like a spider’s web: every struggle to be free but multiplies the fine yet irresistible thread that seems to bind me. And to-night I thought to be so happy; instead of that, he has left me scarce the heart to do what I have to do.”