"Maman."
She wheeled about at the sound of Jean's voice.
He was standing just within the doorway, the girl at his side. The woman stood there staring. The girl crossed the room quickly and put her arm about the woman's waist, drawing her close.
"Petite Maman—"
"You—go—now—Jean?"
She said the words carefully and precisely with a tremendous effort for control.
"But, yes, Maman!"
She leaned a little against the girl.
"Mon Jean, you will have courage—; great—courage—my little one, you will be protected. You—will—be—protected!" She had said that in spite of herself.
He came to her then and flung his arms about her and kissed her on either cheek, and held her tightly to him.