If these two men were going to use her as a mere excuse to settle a lifelong quarrel of many issues, it was probable that there would not be much left of her character by the time that they had finished.
She had to decide quickly.

She decided to assume the role of peacemaker.
"M.

de Chauxville was on the point of going," she said.

"Let him go." "M.

de Chauxville is not going until I have finished with him, madame.
This may be the last time we meet.