The old lady had been
thoroughly silenced, and neither she nor her sister again opened
their mouth. When Madame Voss rose from her chair in order that
they might all retire, the consciousness of relief was very great.
For that night Marie's duty to her uncle was done. So much had been
understood. She was to dress herself and sit down to supper, and
after that she was not to be disturbed again till the morrow. On
the next morning she was to be subjected to the grand trial. She
understood this so well that she went about the house fearless on
that evening--fearless as regarded the moment, fearful only as
regarded the morrow.
'May I ask one question, dear?' said her aunt, coming to her after
she had gone to her own room. 'Have you made up your mind?'
'No,' said Marie; 'I have not made up my mind.'
Her aunt stood for a moment looking at her, and then crept out of
the room.
In the morning Michel Voss was half-inclined to release his niece,
and to tell Urmand that he had better go back to Basle. He could
see that the girl was suffering, and, after all, what was it that he
wanted? Only that she should be prosperous and happy.
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