“No name? Nonsense! When people haven’t a name, it’s because it’s to their interest not to have one, because they are hiding their real name.”
She did not take the trouble to put it politely. Bluntly, she declared:
“The marriage is out of the question. It will not take place.”
Guillaume protested indignantly:
“Out of the question! And why, pray?”
“Can’t you see that for yourself? I’m surprised at your asking!”
“I insist on knowing, as Gilberte’s affianced husband.”
“Gilberte’s husband! People don’t marry....”
“Silence, mother!”
He was standing before her, with his features convulsed. Another word and he would have closed her lips by mean force. She was afraid of him. He went on, dropping his voice: