"Madame, the moments are precious; permit me first to appeal to your sincerity and frankness."
"Speak."
"Yesterday evening, at the conclusion of the discussion which you had with your husband, a most atrocious thing occurred, and that night—"
"Monsieur."
"I know all, madame."
"Once more, doctor—"
"I know all, I tell you, and, with your habitual courage, you did, I am certain of it, submit to this abominable treatment, in order not to make public this outrageous deed, and to avoid a collision between your son and your husband. Oh, do not try to deny it; your safety and the safety of your son depend upon the sincerity of your confession."
"My safety! my son's safety!"
"Come, madame, do you think the law has no redress for such atrocities as those your husband has been guilty of toward you? No, no! and there are witnesses of his unreasonable brutality. And these witnesses, Marguerite and myself, to whom you have applied for medical attention, as a consequence of the injuries you have sustained, we, I say, will authorise and justify your demand for separation. This demand must be formulated to-day."
"A separation!" cried Marie, clasping her hands in a transport of joy, "will it be possible?"