She remained on the ground, in the position assigned to Magdalens, her
cap awry, her apron on the floor, and her face again covered by her
hands.
Then the priest said: "Come, my girl, listen to what is said to you,
and reply. We do not want to harm you, but we want to know what
occurred."
Jeanne, leaning over, looked at her and said: "Is it true that you
were with Julien when I surprised you?"
Rosalie moaned through her fingers, "Yes, madame."
Then the baroness suddenly began to cry in a choking fashion, and her
convulsive sobs accompanied those of Rosalie.
Jeanne, with her eyes fixed on the maid, said: "How long had this been
going on?"
"Ever since he came here," faltered Rosalie.
Jeanne could not understand. "Ever since he came--then--ever
since--ever since the spring?"
"Yes, madame."
"Ever since he came into this house?"