"Yes."
"And he too loves you very well. I can see that. But do you love him as much as if he——?"
And Miette paused, embarrassed a little, feeling that what she was going to say was very important; still, being certain that she was right, she continued:
"As much as if he was—your papa?"
Paul started.
"Yes; you love him as much and perhaps—perhaps more," she cried, seeing Paul start.
"Why do you say things like that to me?" murmured Paul, much moved.
"Because—nothing."
"Why do you think that I love Monsieur Roger in the manner that you have just said?"
"Because——"