If he is found guilty, if he is condemned, what a horrible fate for Marie! And what is to become of me? My life belongs to her, as hers does to me.
If she refuses to come with me, what is to be done?
The former crimes of this man will not annul the marriage, or if they do, what publicity, what disgusting revelations, will Marie have to submit to!
She must do it, she must follow me, it is the only thing she can do.
What has she to keep her here, poor orphan girl?
Her aunt, that excellent woman.
But perhaps she would come with us,—no, no. If she suspected the truth; if she knew that there was between us a sweeter bond than that of friendship, that we belonged to each other for ever and always; if she knew—
No, no! it is not to be thought of.
But will Marie ever consent to leave her?
However, it must be done!