MME. DUPONT. But you were only five when she went away.
DUPONT. You understand, my children, how painful this subject is both for you and for me. I will spare you the details as far as possible. It is enough that you should know, Julie, that when Angèle was seventeen she was obliged to leave her home because—because—
MME. DUPONT [simply] Because she was about to become a mother.
JULIE. She went away?
DUPONT. Yes.
JULIE. Of her own free will?
DUPONT. I sent her away.
JULIE. Ah!
DUPONT. As I said, the subject is a very painful one. Let us get it over as quickly as possible. She is coming here to-day. [He looks at his watch] She is on her way now. Her train arrived five minutes ago. Now I hope you will all of you behave with dignity, and neither be too affectionate, which would be out of the question, nor too cold, which would be unkind.
JULIE. Have you heard anything of her since she left home?