"What is horrible in a trouble of this kind is that one cannot, as in any other--in loss, in death--bear one's trouble in peace, but that one must act," said he, as though guessing her thought.

"One must get out of the humiliating position in which one is placed; one can't live _a trois_.

" "I understand, I quite understand that," said Dolly, and her head sank.

She was silent for a little, thinking of herself, of her own grief in her family, and all at once, with an impulsive movement, she raised her head and clasped her hands with an imploring gesture.

" But wait a little! You are a Christian.