Odile's look was far away, lost in the distance. She trembled slightly, and said:
"Have you thought?"
"Of everything!"
"Even of that which may separate us?"
"What do you mean by that? What are you afraid of? Of entering a disunited family?"
"No!"
"You would bring them together, I am sure of it. You would be its joy and peace. What do you fear—my father's or your father's opposition because they are now enemies?"
"That could be got over," said the young girl.
"Then it is because your mother detests me," said Jean hastily. "She does hate me, does she not? The other day she was so stiff to me, so offensive."
The fair head made a sign of denial.