The Viscount de Commarin, was, all the same, certain to be arrested, imprisoned, examined, confounded, tried, and probably condemned.

Then, being in no way connected with the trial, I could have reappeared before Claire.

Her grief will be great.

As her friend, I could have soothed her, mingled my tears with hers, calmed her regrets.

With time, she might have been consoled, and perhaps have forgotten him.