“For the Caffie affair.”
“And at what hour should I present myself before the judge?”
“Immediately.”
“But my son has not breakfasted!” Madame Cormier exclaimed. “At least, take something before going, my dear child.”
“It is not worth while.”
He made a sign to her that she should not insist. His throat was too tight to swallow a piece of bread, and it was important that he should not betray his emotion before this agent.
“I am ready,” he said.
Going to his mother he embraced her, but lightly, without effusion, as if he were only to be absent a short time.
“By-and-by.”
She was distracted; but, understanding that she would compromise her son if she yielded to her feelings, she controlled herself.