MME. DUPONT. You are right. I beg your pardon. But if you knew how much this child is to me. I lost one at the same age. I am old and widowed—I did not expect to live to see my grandchildren. You are right. George, be calm—we will show our love by being calm. Now then, we will talk seriously and coldly. But I warn you that you will not succeed in making me consent to any but the very best conditions for the child. I shall not let her be killed by being taken from the breast!
DOCTOR. This is not the first time I have found myself in this situation, and I must begin by telling you that parents who have refused to be guided by my advice have invariably repented of it most bitterly.
MME. DUPONT. The only thing of which I shall repent—
DOCTOR. You are evidently unaware of what the rapacity and malice of peasants such as this nurse are capable, especially against those of superior station. In this case, moreover, her enmity would be legitimate.
MME. DUPONT. Oh! What can she do?
DOCTOR. She can bring an action against you.
MME. DUPONT. She is far too stupid to think of such a thing.
DOCTOR. Others will put it into her head.
MME. DUPONT. She is too poor to pay the expenses of going to law.
DOCTOR. Then you propose to profit by her ignorance and her poverty? Besides, she could obtain the assistance of the court.