GILBERTE [gravely]
And Jean went to see her die?
MARTINEL
He had just time to say farewell to her.
GILBERTE [to herself]
If I could only tell what passed between them at that moment! Ah, this wretched death is worse for me than if she were alive!
MME. DE RONCHARD [rises R. and goes up stage]
I really do not understand you, my dear. The woman has died—so much the better for you. May God deliver you from all such!
GILBERTE
No, my dear Aunt; the feeling I have just now is so painful that I would sooner know her to be far away than to know her dead.