“If he ceased to be useful to his country I should love him just as well,” Alice replied.
“Ah,” said Paule softly, as if talking to herself. “For my part, I should never dare to spoil my husband’s career.”
Her companion scarcely heard. She was following her own train of thought.
“Since he loves me, could he not stay with me, near his mother and my family? We should be so happy! Our fortune would be quite enough for both of us.”
“He would not accept that,” answered Paule. And forgetting her mission of peace in an access of pride, she answered contemptuously:
“So you would not go with him?”
Alice noticed the scorn and answered somewhat angrily:
“Of course, I would go with him everywhere. For I love him, as you know. I am quite ready. But ...” She hesitated for a moment, and then she murmured mournfully:
“There is my mother.”
“Your mother loves you and wishes for your happiness above everything.”