"I repeat that you have been thoughtless and imprudent. That is all, and that is enough; but as for accusing you of any such shameful plotting, that would be utterly absurd on my part. I understand, too, how certain peculiarities in your nephew's character seemed a sufficient guarantee against any such possibility, and that you never suspected that any such danger could threaten my daughter."
"Alas! that is the truth, monsieur. I didn't consider Onésime any more dangerous than an infant."
"I believe you, but the evil is done, nevertheless."
"But it can be repaired. Onésime shall leave the house at daybreak, to-morrow morning, and never set foot in it again."
"And Sabine? His sudden departure would grieve her terribly, it might even kill her, weak and nervous as she is,—for she is her poor dear mother over again, in her sensitiveness and extreme susceptibility."
"Mon Dieu, I see, I see! How culpable I have been!" sobbed the governess. "What are we to do, monsieur? What are we to do?"
"I have no idea myself."
"Cloarek paced the room in silence several minutes, then he asked, suddenly:
"Where is your nephew?"
"In the Blue Boom, monsieur. I told him to wait there until I could let him know the result of my interview with you."