"Despite his sorrow, he will renounce these paternal rights; he will submit to all your demands, but only on one condition."
"And that is?" asked the women.
"You know that a divorce or a legal separation can easily be obtained without stating the actual reasons, but merely by presenting an insulting letter prepared to fit the case, or to bring about a departure from the conjugal home. It is sufficient that the two parties are agreed, both desirous of avoiding a scandal, and not wishing to furnish food for gossip."
"What condition?" repeated Elizabeth, who could not imagine.
He leisurely dilated upon the customary precautions.
"It is in a word, mutual consent, which is forbidden by law, but to which jurisprudence closes its eyes. And besides, how can the truth be disputed? In this way the procedure is curtailed and the public loses interest in a case which has become commonplace."
"Well?" asked the young wife who thought only of her own particular case.
"Well, Albert is willing to accept all the conditions that you think fit to impose upon him,—provided that no name be mentioned at the trial."
"Ah," said Elizabeth simply, and her eyes filled with tears. Two seconds later the tears were dried, and the charming face had regained its usual composure, so that Philippe had his doubts about the genuineness of an emotion of such short duration.
But Mme. Molay-Norrois let her indignation have full play.