"No, no, I don't believe you," he said. "You are too generous. Don't accuse yourself to defend that man who deserves nothing but contempt."
"But I'm not accusing anyone," she said simply.
Her words struck against his consciousness, but he refused to understand.
"You are trying to exonerate him."
"I am not exonerating him. No one's to blame."
Julien struggled. "Annette, I implore you not to talk that way."
"Why?"
"You know very well it's wrong!"
"I know nothing of the kind."
"What? You don't regret anything?"