“By no means, my mother, these are services which are asked without entering into any explanation, and which are granted in implicit confidence. It is well understood between people who know the world, that they are to be forgotten as soon as rendered.”
“Then he knows nothing?”
“No—but did he know all——”
“Well?”
“Well, madam, I believe he is so much of a philosopher, that the discovery would not in any way influence his determination.”
“I thought as much; he is a ruined spendthrift,” replied the marchioness, with an indescribable expression of contempt, and as if speaking to herself.
“But supposing it should be so,” said Emanuel anxiously, “your resolution would be still unchanged, I hope.”
“Are we not rich enough to repair his fortune if he can restore our former influence?”
“Then, there is only my sister——”
“Do you doubt that she will obey me, when I inform her of my will?”