"No one. I discovered that all alone; it did not take me long either—"
"But how can you know—"
"I do not know anything, and yet you see I do know all the same; it's a very good thing to be able to marry a Protestant; they are less frivolous, more serious, and more constant."
"Yes, perhaps so; but his mother, as I told you looks very severe, very; and she is going to live with us."
"Oh, well, so much the better. It is a safe-guard, don't you know, to have a mother with you who is somewhat austere. In the first place, she will inspire everyone with respect for you."
"I don't think I need anyone to inspire people with respect for me, and, anyhow, it seems to me that if I did, why, my husband would be—"
"Not at all! oh, no! parents are quite different, and I was brought up to worship my parents, and to believe that their presence brings not only respect but happiness into the home."
"Oh, yes, I think that, too, as regards papa; but Madame Spiegel is a stranger to me, as it were, and I do feel that I owe her a little grudge for coming to intrude on the privacy of our home-life, which would have seemed so much happier alone."
"You must say to yourself that she is the mother of your husband, that he loves her, and that you ought to love her for his sake."
"You are quite right. How I wish I were like you, Bijou dear! you are so much better than I am."