“What can people say—what have they said?”
The scene changes, the result of which is a secondary explanation which makes Caroline blush, as she sees the bearing of the suppositions of her best friends.
“Well, now, Adolphe, it’s to you I owe all this. Why didn’t you tell me about Frederick?”
“Frederick the Great? The King of Prussia?”
“What creatures men are! Hypocrite, do you want to make me believe that you have forgotten your son so soon, M’lle Suzanne Beauminet’s son?”
“Then you know—?”
“The whole thing! And old other Mahuchet, and your absences from home to give him a good dinner on holidays.”
“How like moles you pious women can be if you try!” exclaims Adolphe, in his terror.
“It was Justine that found it out.”
“Ah! Now I understand the reason of her insolence.”