“Roland will come at a signal,” he pursued; “we are not bound to consult others.”
Renée formed the French word of “we” on her tongue.
He talked of Roland and Roland, his affection for him as a brother and as a friend, and Roland’s love of them both.
“It is true,” said Renée.
“We owe him this; he represents your father.”
“All that you say is true, my friend.”
“Thus, you have come on a visit to madame, your old friend here—oh! your hand. What have I done?”
Renée motioned her hand as if it were free to be taken, and smiled faintly to make light of it, but did not give it.
“If you had been widowed!” he broke down to the lover again.
“That man is attached to the remnant of his life: I could not wish him dispossessed of it,” said Renée.