"And here is the letter which had been sent to him and which I kept without the right to do so. You will return it to him."
Philippe, dumbfounded, refused the envelope she held out to him.
"This telegram belongs to you. It is your weapon. You cannot give up the possession of it."
"I have no further need of it."
"But, Madame...."
"I am giving up my petition for separation. Albert may do as he likes."
For the first time in this conversation she used her husband's Christian name. It was the only indication of her emotion.
"Ah!" murmured Philippe, who did not expect this new development. "Does Albert know?"
"I have just told my lawyer. His lawyer will tell him about it in turn."
"You will give me permission to tell it to him?"