She could not keep her mind to her book, and while she was awake the time seemed to be everlasting.

And then it was so terrible to her that he should be gambling at such hours as these! Why should he desire to gamble if this girl's fortune was ready to fall into his hands?
Fool, to risk his health, his character, his beauty, the little money which at this moment of time might be so indispensable to his great project, for the chance of winning something which in comparison with Marie Melmotte's money must be despicable! But at last he came! She waited patiently till he had thrown aside his hat and coat, and then she appeared at the dining-room door.

She had studied her part for the occasion.

She would not say a harsh word, and now she endeavoured to meet him with a smile.

'Mother,' he said, 'you up at this hour!' His face was flushed, and she thought that there was some unsteadiness in his gait.