He simply felt profound remorse.

And, all of a sudden, he burst out into a confession.

He spoke of Eugene's letters, explained his plans, his conduct, with all the loquacity of a man who is relieving his conscience and imploring a saviour.

At every moment he broke off to ask: "What would you have done in my place ?" or else he cried, "Isn't that so?
I was right, I could not act otherwise." But Felicite did not even deign to make a sign.

She listened with all the frigid reserve of a judge.