"'Yes, last month.'
"'Without telling me? Why?'
"'I do as I please.'
"This cruel suppression of our friendship offended me. I rose to leave.
"'So you will be able to decide without me.'
"She hastened to detain me. I have never seen her so overwrought, so pale. Her long golden eyes were veiled. I am powerless before their sorrowful expression.
"'No, no,' she said. 'You will choose for me.'
"Conciliated by her agitation, I made a gesture of despair.
"'Oh! I ...'
"'Speak!'