In an instant he was beside her; for though he had been irritable and ungenerous, he had at bottom a kind heart.

Catching up a glass of water, he ran an arm round her waist and held the cup to her lips.
"What's the matter, my girl ?" he asked.

"There, pull yourself together." She drew away from him, though grateful for his new attitude.

She could not bear everything.

She felt nervous and strangely weak.
"Won't you go, monsieur ?" she said, and turned to her ironing again.
He looked at her closely, and not unkindly.