"Thank you, Suzanne.... It is the best proof of your love.... I thank you."
She went on to say to him:
"And then, Philippe, you see, I don't want to give my father pain.... Any one can feel that he has been very unhappy.... And the reason why I was afraid, the other morning, that Marthe might discover the truth ... was because of him."
"You need not fear, Suzanne."
"I need not, need I?" she said. "There is no danger of it.... And yet, this enquiry.... If you were compelled to confess?..."
"Oh, Suzanne, how can you think it?"
Their eyes mingled fondly, their hands had not parted. Philippe would have liked to speak affectionate words and especially to say how much he hoped that she would be happy. But no words rose to his lips save words of love; and he would not....
She gave a smile. A tear shone at the tip of her lashes. She stammered:
"I love you.... I shall always love you."
Then she released her hand.