“Because you are alone and tired. Such a lot of people have gone to the hearing, just as if it were a party. And so I—well, I thought my place was here with you. I love you so much.”
Margaret patted her friend’s cheek.
“You are good, Jeanne.”
“Oh, no. It’s just that I’ve so much friendship for you. When I was quite little even, I admired you. And I should like so much to be like you.”
Then in a mysterious tone she changed the subject abruptly.
“Just imagine,” she said, “those ladies all dressed themselves up so for the court-house. As carefully as if they were going to a matinée.”
“Who?”
“Oh, all of them.”
“Yes,” said Miss Roquevillard bitterly. “It’s a question of our honour—quite a spectacle.”
Jeanne Sassenay took her hand.