A quick conception of all that this accusation meant for her nerved her with unwonted courage to deny it. "It is a lie; it is not true, I am white! Look at my hair, it is brown; and my eyes are gray, Armand, you know they are gray. And my skin is fair,” seizing his wrist. "Look at my hand; whiter than yours, Armand," she laughed hysterically.
"As white as La Blanche's," he returned cruelly; and went away leaving her alone with their child.
When she could hold a pen in her hand, she sent a despairing letter to Madame Valmondé.
"My mother, they tell me I am not white. Armand has told me I am not white. For God's sake tell them it is not true. You must know it is not true. I shall die. I must die. I cannot be so unhappy, and live."
The answer that came was as brief:
"My own Désirée: Come home to Valmondé; back to your mother who loves you. Come with your child."
Question 1: How does Désirée react to Armand's accusation, and what evidence does she provide to refute it?
Answer: Désirée denies the accusation with unwonted courage, asserting that she is white. She points to her brown hair, gray eyes, and fair skin, even comparing her hand's whiteness to Armand's.
Question 2: What hurtful comment does Armand make in response to Désirée's assertion of her whiteness?
Answer: Armand cruelly responds by saying, "As white as La Blanche's," implying that Désirée is not white and comparing her to a mixed-race woman named La Blanche.
Question 3: How does Désirée reach out for help after Armand's accusation, and what is the response?
Answer: Désirée sends a despairing letter to Madame Valmondé, pleading for her mother's intervention and denying Armand's accusation. The response she receives is a brief invitation to return home to Valmondé with her child.
Question 4: How does Désirée's letter reflect her emotional state and desperation?
Answer: Désirée's letter conveys her deep distress and desperation, as she implores her mother to refute the accusation and expresses her unbearable unhappiness, even contemplating death.
Question 5: What is the significance of Madame Valmondé's response to Désirée's letter?
Answer: Madame Valmondé's brief response, urging Désirée to return home with her child, suggests her unconditional love and support for her daughter, regardless of the circumstances.
Question 6: How does Armand's behavior towards Désirée and their child impact Désirée's decision to seek help from her mother?
Answer: Armand's cruel remarks and abandonment of Désirée and their child contribute to Désirée's sense of isolation and desperation, prompting her to seek refuge and support from her mother.