"Really, really—are you really in earnest?"
"I swear to you; and you have, too, said something which greatly struck me, and gives me the courage I want."
"Delightful! And what did I say?"
"That, for your sake, I should in future continue an honest man. Yes, in this thought I shall find strength to resist the detestable influences which surround me. I shall brave contagion, and know how to keep worthy of your love the heart which belongs to you."
"Oh, Germain, how happy I am! If I have ever done anything for you, how you recompense me now!"
"And then, observe, although you excuse my fault I shall never forget it. My future task will be double: to expiate the past and deserve the happiness I owe to you. For that I will do my best, and, as poor as I may be, the opportunity will not fail me, I am sure."
"Alas! that is true; for we always find persons more unfortunate than ourselves."
"And if we have no money, why—"
"We give our tears, as I did for the poor Morels."
"And that is holy alms. 'Charity of the soul is quite equal to that which bestows bread.'"