At the heartrending tone with which Marie uttered the two words, "He, depart," the doctor realised the depth of Marie's love for David for the first time, and as he thought of this deep and pure affection, the outcome of the noblest sentiments and the holiest feelings, his heart sank. He knew well Marie's virtue and David's delicacy, and hence he saw no end to this fatal passion.
Marie, after weeping silently turned her pale, sad, and tear-stained face to the doctor, and said to him, sorrowfully:
"M. David thinks it is best to go away, and my son and I will resign ourselves to it. Your friend has given too many proofs of his devotion to permit us to question his heart for a moment, but I must tell you his departure will be a terrible blow to my son."
"But you will remain with him, madame, for I do not doubt that once your separation is obtained, you will be allowed to keep your son."
"You hope then they will leave me my son?"
"How," replied Marie, clasping her hands and looking at the doctor with inexpressible anguish, "could there be a doubt that they will leave me my son?"
"He is more than sixteen years old, and in a case of separation, the son follows the father; a daughter would be given to you."
"But, then," replied Marie, all excited with fear, "what good is this separation, if I am not sure of keeping my son?"
"First, to assure your peace, your life perhaps, because your husband--"
"We will do everything in the world to have him given to you."
"Let us think no more of this separation, Doctor Dufour."
"Think, then, madame, what it is to remain at the mercy of a wretch who will kill you some day."
"But at least, before that happens, he will not have taken my son away from me."
"He will take him away from you, madame. Did he not wish to do so yesterday?"
"Oh, my God!" cried Marie, falling back on her pillow with such an expression of grief and despair that the doctor ran to her, exclaiming:
"In the name of Heaven, what is the matter with you?"
"Doctor Dufour," said Marie, in a feeble voice, closing her eyes and overcome by grief, "I am utterly exhausted. No matter which way I look at the future, it is horrible; what shall I do, my God! what shall I do? The hour approaches when my husband will return and take away my son with him. Oh, for my sake, put yourself between Frederick and his father! Oh, if you only knew what I dread, I--"