LUCIE. Well, madame, all this is beside the question. You are opposed to this marriage?
MME. B. Yes.
LUCIE. Finally? Irrevocably?
MME. B. Finally. Irrevocably.
LUCIE. Because Annette has no money?
MME. B. Yes.
LUCIE. Your son knew she had no money when he made her love him.
MME. B. Believe me, he didn’t mean to do the harm he has done. A young girl of his own age was his sister’s constant companion, and at first he treated her as he treated his sister. At first, I’m sure, it was without any special intention that he saw so much of her. Afterwards probably he made some pretty speeches to your little Annette, and no doubt he was greatly taken with her. As Annette is more innocent and simple and affectionate, and of course more ignorant than he is, she has been more quickly and more deeply touched. But my son is not the worthless fellow you think him, and the proof of that is that he himself came and told me all about it.
LUCIE. And when you told him he must give up Annette, he agreed?