When the letter reached Désirée she went with it to her husband's study room, and laid it open upon the desk before which he sat. She was like a stone image: silent, white, motionless after she placed it there.
In silence he ran his cold eyes over the written words. He said nothing. "Shall I go, Armand?" she asked in tones sharp with agonized suspense.
"Yes, go."
"Do you want me to go?"
"Yes, I want you to go."
He thought Almighty God had dealt cruelly and unjustly with him; and felt, somehow, that he was paying Him back in kind when he stabbed thus into his wife's soul. Moreover he no longer loved her, because of the unconscious injury she had brought upon his home and his name.
She turned away like one stunned by a blow, and walked slowly towards the door, hoping he would call her back.
"Good-by, Armand," she moaned.
He did not answer her. That was his last blow at fate.
Désirée went in search of her child. Zandrine was pacing the sombre gallery with it. She took the little one from the nurse's arms with no word of explanation, and descending the steps, walked away, under the live-oak branches.
Question 1: How does Désirée initially react when she places the letter before her husband?
Answer: Désirée remains silent, motionless, and white like a stone image after placing the letter before her husband, indicating her emotional turmoil and apprehension.
Question 2: How does Armand respond upon reading the letter from Madame Valmondé?
Answer: Armand reads the letter silently and says nothing at first. When Désirée asks if she should leave, he responds affirmatively, indicating that he wants her to go.
Question 3: What is Armand's attitude towards Désirée as she questions him about leaving?
Answer: Armand responds coldly and affirmatively when Désirée asks if she should leave, indicating his desire for her to depart from their home.
Question 4: How does Armand perceive his treatment of Désirée, and what emotions does he harbor towards her?
Answer: Armand feels that he is dealing justly with Désirée, believing that she has brought an unconscious injury upon his home and name. He no longer loves her due to the perceived damage she has caused.
Question 5: What does Désirée hope for as she walks towards the door after Armand's response?
Answer: Désirée hopes that Armand will call her back as she walks slowly towards the door, indicating her desire for reconciliation or a change in his decision.
Question 6: How does Armand's silence when Désirée says goodbye signify his final stance?
Answer: Armand's silence in response to Désirée's farewell signifies his final rejection and indifference towards her, representing his ultimate decision to sever ties with her.