Marthe, I swear it.... And you will realize your
mistake. But let us be silent now, please.... We have tortured one
another long enough."

He spoke in so resolute a voice that Jorance stood undecided and Marthe
herself was shaken. Was he stating the truth? Was it simply a
misunderstanding that divided them?

Le Corbier guessed the tragedy and, attacking Philippe in his turn,
said:

"So, monsieur, I must look for no enlightenment on the point to which
you drew my attention? And it is you yourself, is it not, who, by your
definite attitude, close the discussion?"

"Yes," replied Philippe, firmly.

"No," protested Marthe, returning to the charge with indefatigable
vigour. "No, it is not finished, monsieur le ministre; it cannot finish
like this. My husband, whether he meant to or not, has uttered words
which we have all interpreted in the same sense. If there is a
misunderstanding, let it be dispelled now. And there is only one person
who can do so. That person is here. I ask to have that person called
in."

"I don't know what you mean," stammered Philippe.

"Yes, you do, Philippe. You know to whom I refer and all the proofs that
give me the right to ..."

"Silence, Marthe," commanded Philippe, beside himself.

"Then confess. If not, I swear that ..."

The sight of M. Jorance stayed her threat. Unaware of Suzanne's presence
at the Butte-aux-Loups, Jorance had ceased to understand; and his
suspicions, aroused by Philippe's imprudence, had become gradually
allayed. At the last moment, when on the point of putting her
irreparable accusation into words, Marthe hesitated. Her hatred was
vanquished by the sight of the father's grief.

Moreover, just then, a diversion occurred to bring about an armistice,
as it were, in the midst of the implacable conflict. Le Corbier had
risen hurriedly from his seat and drawn back the tent-fly. A quick step
was heard outside.

"Ah, there you are, Trebons!"

And he almost ran to fetch the young man in and plied him with
questions:

"Did you speak to the prime minister? What did he say?"

M. de Trebons entered the tent. But, on catching sight of the Morestal
family, he turned back:

"Monsieur le ministre, I think it would be better ..."

"No, no, Trebons. No one here is in the way ... on the contrary....
Come, what is it? Bad news?"

"Very bad news, monsieur le ministre. The French embassy in Berlin has
been burnt down...."

"Oh!" said Le Corbier. "Wasn't it guarded?"