"We shall probably not see each other again," said Adrienne, in a firm voice that contrasted strangely with her gentle grace; "but I shall never forget that I bear your name and that being mine, I will ever honor it."
She handed Sulpice a document.
"Here is a power of attorney to Monsieur Beauvais, my notary. All that you need of my dowry to free yourself from liabilities is yours. I do not wish to know why you have incurred debts, I am anxious only to know that you have paid them, and my signature provides you with the means to do so."
Dejected, his heart burning, and his sobs rising, Sulpice uttered a loud cry as he rushed toward her:
"Adrienne!"
She withdrew her hand slowly while he was trying to seize it.
"You have nothing to thank me for," she said. "I am a partner, saving, as I best can, the honor of the house. That association is better than Molina's."
"Adieu," she added bitterly.
"Are you going—? Going away?" asked Sulpice, trying to give to his entreaty something like an echo of the love of the former days.
"Whose fault is it?" replied the young woman, in a voice as chilly as steel.