Not understanding that that was final, but ill at ease, he asked:
"Are you going away?"
"Yes."
"Where are you going?"
"I am going home. Should I send the children to you?"
He hesitated—then in a dull voice, answered:
"No."
She bowed. The door closed behind her. They would never see each other again.
As soon as she had gone, Albert made a few steps forward to call her back. What would he have said to her? Agitated, he walked up and down the room without speaking. In a few hours what emotions, what sorrow had he not experienced! His friend, motionless and silent, read with ease the succession of his thoughts, but by natural inclination had greater pity for the woman.
Fanchette came in to announce luncheon. Albert looked at her, seemed to be reflecting, and his decision made, declared in his clear voice: