"What makes you think he wants to?" asked the doctor.
"I have seen, I have heard—I know," said Jeanne. "You know, all can see that he loves her. He! Not such as he for my young lady."
"Why do you object to him, Jeanne?"
"He has lived the bad life," said the woman, grimly.
"Most young men are open to criticism," said Dr. Bellair. "Have you anything definite to tell me—anything that you could prove?—if it were necessary to save her?" She leaned forward, elbows on knees.
Jeanne sat in the flickering shadows, considering her words. "He has had the sickness," she said at last.
"Can you prove that?"
"I can prove to you, a doctor, that Coralie and Anastasia and Estelle—they have had it. They are still alive; but not so beautiful."
"Yes; but how can you prove it on him?"
"I know he was with them. Well, it was no secret. I myself have seen—he was there often."