“No—no!” she exclaimed in hasty reassurance. “It’s good news! Good—-not bad!”
Jean’s taut muscles relaxed and she leaned against the wall as though seeking support.
“You frightened me,” she said dully. “Good news? Then it can’t be for me. What is it, Claire? Is Nick”—forcing a smile—“coming out here to see you?”
Claire nodded.
“Yes, Nick—and Blaise with him.”
Jean stared at her.
“Blaise—coming here? Oh, but he must not—he mustn’t come!”—in sudden panic. “I couldn’t go through it all again! I couldn’t!”
Claire slipped an arm round her.
“You won’t have to,” she answered. “Because, Jean-Jean! Blaise has the right to come now. He’s free!”
“Free? Free?” repeated Jean. “What do you mean! How can he be free?”