"Do not send me away," she said, gently. "I could not help it, I could not sleep at night for thinking of all this misery. And what was there to keep me? I am free if any one in the world is free. You must let me remain. I am not afraid." He answered her sharply, like a person in keen pain. "What you ask is impossible, ridiculous! I insist upon your returning at once." Therese shook her head. "I cannot go back to the Roulleaus from this house. You see that, do you not, monsieur? It would be simply wicked." "Then I must find you a lodging. Heavens, mademoiselle, what has possessed you?" She did not answer. He looked at her there in the grey dusk, the little window open behind her, the old blackened discoloured walls, the poor meagre fittings, the wretchedness around, and she standing, so womanly, so brave, so patient, as she was under his upbraidings. He longed to take her hand and draw her away out of that hot foul atmosphere. He could give himself without a murmur, but his heart cried out against her making a choice like this. Is it not always easier to give ourselves than to give our dearest? "Come," he said, almost passionately. But she made no movement. She only said,--"If you order it, I must go, of course. But what would be the good? If any mischief is done it must be done by this time. Pray, pray let me stay!" She had the advantage of being perfectly self-possessed, while he was deeply moved and very pale. "I will find some one to come here. Indeed, you must not remain." She saw he was wavering. "Then let me go to the hospital. You know you want nurses." "Yes, but they are trained, experienced nurses that we want." "I can learn quickly," Therese said, eagerly. "_Allons_, M. Deshoulieres, when those that you seek come, I can go away. Or leave me here." "No, no," he answered again. "This is far worse than the hospital. How could you be so imprudent?" "You are going to accept me," she said, joyfully. He took her hand and looked into her face. "Do you know what you are asking? Do you know what you must bear? Have you courage enough, strength enough, devotion enough?" There was a little silence, and then Therese looked up and answered, humbly,-- "No. But, monsieur, I will ask for all these; and I think that, perhaps, He who has given me the will will send me what I want."