“And to think that we intended at one time to make Victorine a teacher, and Victor an overseer of works!”
“Ah! how deceived we were in her!”
“If she is vicious, it is not the fault of the lessons she got.”
“For my part, to make her virtuous, I would have learned Cartouche’s biography.”
“Perhaps they needed family life—the care of a mother?”
“I was like one to them,” protested Bouvard.
“Alas!” replied Pécuchet. “But there are natures bereft of moral sense; and education in that case can do nothing.”
“Ah! yes, ’tis a fine thing, education!”
As the orphans had not learned any trade, they would seek two situations for them as servants; and then, with the help of God, they would have nothing more to do with them.
And henceforth “My uncle” and “Good friend” made them take their meals in the kitchen.