"I know," she said. And for a moment spoke no more.
In those two words she told all. It was as though she had said: "I know all. You are Philippe and I am Margaret. All is forgiven between us. Let us forget. What matters that old crime of long ago? We are reborn, we are young again, and the world is fair."
"Let us forget," I murmured, as if in answer to these words which, though unspoken by her lips, were heard by my spirit.
"I have forgotten," she replied. "I never remembered—or only in part. Let us talk of that time——"
"When we were children?"
"Yes. Do you remember——"
"Do I remember! Where is Gretel?"
"She is dead. I must tell you all; but we are nearing Paris. Cannot we go anywhere—some place where we can talk and be alone?"
"Yes." I remembered that Franzius and Eloise were away, and that we could go to the Pavilion. I drew the check-string, and told the driver to take the road to Etiolles.
As I drew back into the carriage her hand slipped over my shoulder, and her arm round my neck again.