Then Le Corbier, who was in a hurry to finish the business, walked quickly up to Philippe and said:
"It is the last time, monsieur, that I shall apply to you. In a few minutes, everything will be irrevocably ended. It depends on your good will...."
But he went no further. Never had he beheld a face ravaged as Philippe's was, nor ever so great an expression of strength and energy as showed through the chaos of those distorted features. He understood that Philippe had resolved to travel the last stage. He waited, without a word.
And indeed, as though he too were eager to reach the terrible goal, Philippe spoke and said:
"Monsieur le ministre, if I tell you for certain how I spent my night, will my words have an unimpeachable value in your mind?"
His voice was almost calm. His eyes had selected a spot in the tent from which he no longer dared remove them, for he feared to meet Marthe's eyes, or Jorancé's, or Suzanne's.
Le Corbier replied:
"An unimpeachable value."
"Will they tend to lessen the importance of my father's statements?"