Explain the order for the arrest. The sub-prefect, on receiving Foureau’s letter, has despatched an order to take them into custody, in order to frighten them, together with a letter to Marescot and Faverges, saying that they might be let alone if they exhibited repentance.
Vaucorbeil seeks likewise to defend them.
“’Tis rather to a madhouse that they ought to be sent; they are lunatics. I’ll write to the prefect.”
Everything is settled. Bouvard will make an allowance for Mélie.
The custody of the children cannot be left to them. They refuse to give them up; but as they have not adopted the orphans according to the forms of law, the mayor takes them back.
They display a revolting insensibility. Bouvard and Pécuchet shed tears at it.
M. and Madame Dumouchel go away.
So everything has gone to pieces in their hands.
They no longer have any interest in life.
A good idea cherished secretly by each of them. They conceal it from each other. From time to time they smile when it comes into their heads; then at last communicate it to each other: