"I can resign my appointment," Levin answered. He went on sniffling: "This beastly war! . . . This beastly war! . . ."
Tietjens said:
"If what is distressing you is having to tell me that you believe Major Perowne came with my wife's permission I know it's true. It's also true that my wife expected me to be there. She wanted some fun: not adultery. But I am also aware—as Major Thurston appears to have told General Campion—that Mrs. Tietjens was with Major Perowne. In France. At a place called Yssingueux-les-Pervenches. . . ."
"That wasn't the name," Levin blubbered. "It was Saint . . . Saint . . . Saint something. In the Cevennes. . . ."
Tietjens said:
"Don't, there! . . . Don't distress yourself. . . ."
"But I'm . . ." Levin went on, "under great obligations to you. . . ."
"I'd better," Tietjens said, "finish this matter myself."
Levin said:
"It will break the general's heart. He believes so absolutely in Mrs. Tietjens. Who wouldn't? . . . How the devil could you guess what Major Thurston told him?"