Do not be offended if I tell him first." Jeanne guessed the nature of the news Noemi had for the dying man: her conversion to Catholicism, in the near future.

All the strength she had gathered in herself for the supreme moment now forsook her.

She embraced Noemi, and burst into tears.

The Selvas strove to encourage her, mistaking the cause of her tears.

Between her sobs she entreated them to go, to go; she herself could not possibly go.