"You will have to tell Philippe."
"Certainly. And he, he must either keep silent and continue to lead an intolerable existence, or else, at the cost of the most terrible anguish, face M. Morestal's anger."
She was silent for a moment and then, striking the table with her clenched fists:
"Oh," she exclaimed, "if I could only take all those worries upon myself and save Philippe's peace of mind!"
Suzanne felt all the force of her vehemence and energy. No pain would have frightened Marthe, no sacrifice would have been beyond her strength.
"Do you love Philippe very much?" she asked.
Marthe smiled:
"With all my heart.... He deserves it."
The younger woman felt a certain bitterness and could not help saying: