to, nothing to sustain me. My mind is afflicted with feverish thoughts,
my heart made desolate with bitter regrets. My will alone protects me,
and in a moment of weakness it may betray me."

"You still love him?" asked Madame Desvarennes, in a deep voice which
made Serge quiver.

"Do I know? There are times when I think I hate him. What I have
endured since I have been here is incredible! Everything galls me,
irritates me. My husband is blind, Micheline unsuspicious, and Serge
smiles quietly, as if he were preparing some treachery. Jealousy, anger,
contempt, are all conflicting within me. I feel that I ought to go away,
and still I feel a, horrible delight in remaining."

"Poor child!" said Madame Desvarennes. "I pity you from my soul.
Forgive my unjust words; you have done all in your power. You have had
momentary weaknesses like all human beings. You must be helped, and may
rely on me. I will speak to your husband to-morrow; he shall take you
away. Lacking happiness, you must have peace. Go you are a brave heart,
and if Heaven be just, you will be rewarded."

Serge heard the sound of a kiss. In an embrace, the mother had blessed
her adopted daughter. Then the Prince saw Madame Desvarennes go slowly
past him. And the silence was broken only by the sobs of Jeanne who was
half lying on the sofa in the darkness.




CHAPTER XVI