And so he could not
withstand the temptation to come back and put his ear against the door.
He heard very ill, for the thick portieres deadened every sound, but
he managed to catch certain words spoken by Philippe, stern phrases in
which such terms as "mere child," "family," "honor," were distinctly
audible. He was so anxious about his darling's possible answers that his
heart beat violently and filled his head with a confused, buzzing noise.
She was sure to give vent to a "Dirty blackguard!" or to a "Leave me
bloody well alone! I'm in my own house!" But nothing happened--not a
breath came from her direction. Nana seemed dead in there! Soon even his
brother's voice grew gentler, and he could not make it out at all, when
a strange murmuring sound finally stupefied him. Nana was sobbing! For
a moment or two he was the prey of contending feelings and knew not
whether to run away or to fall upon Philippe. But just then Zoe came
into the room, and he withdrew from the door, ashamed at being thus
surprised.
She began quietly to put some linen away in a cupboard while he stood
mute and motionless, pressing his forehead against a windowpane. He was
tortured by uncertainty. After a short silence the woman asked:
"It's your brother that's with Madame?"
"Yes," replied the lad in a choking voice.
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