"No, Madame, that was an effort of the reason. Having nothing, but believing myself to be something, I did not wish to make a foolish marriage; and, far from having any spite, I have forgiven him who abandoned me. I forgave him especially the day when, seeing my sister and her four children in misery, I understood the sorrow of the father of a family who dies with the pain of knowing that he can leave nothing to his orphans."
"And you saw that ingrate again?"
"No, never. He is married, and I have ceased to think of him."
"And since then you have never thought of any other?"
"No, Madame."
"How have you done?"
"I do not know. I believe I have not had time to think of myself. When one is very poor, and does not want to give up to misery, the days are well filled out."
"But you have, nevertheless, been much sought after, pretty as you are,—have you not?"
"No, Madame, no one has troubled me in that way. I do not believe in persecutions which are not at all encouraged."
"I think as you do, and I am satisfied with your manner of answering. Do you, then, fear nothing for yourself in the future?"