girl without a name, a foundling, an adventuress, in fact! She pictured the tittletattle, the sidelong allusions, the condolences with which she would be overwhelmed.
"My poor friend, how very unpleasant for you! ... Of course, I knew there was something suspicious about her, for, after all ..."
And they would say, among themselves: "No name? Nonsense! When people haven't a name, it's because it's to their interest not to have one, because they are hiding their real name."
She did not take the trouble to put it politely. Bluntly, she declared:
"The marriage is out of the question. It will not take place."
Guillaume protested indignantly:
"Out of the question! And why, pray?"
"Can't you see that for yourself? I'm surprised at your asking!"
"I insist on knowing, as Gilberte's affianced husband."
