"You asked me just now by what right I was interfering. And you yourself, madame?"
"I was a friend of Jacques d'Ormeval."
"Only a friend?"
She was a little taken aback, but at once pulled herself together and replied:
"I was his friend and it is my duty to avenge his death."
"Nevertheless, you will remain silent, as he did."
"He did not know, when he died."
"That's where you are wrong. He could have accused his wife, if he had wished. He had ample time to accuse her; and he said nothing."
"Why?"
"Because of his children."