"But, mamma, is it only allowable to be a little satisfied with ourselves, when we conceal from others what we do for them?"
"When the result of what we do for them is to cause ourselves to be esteemed much more than them, and at their expense, we only barter one advantage for another, and we have no reason to be very proud of ourselves, for we have made no great sacrifices for them."
"Mamma," said Eudoxia, after a moment's reflection, "if you like, you can tell Madame de Rivry that I have a cold."
"Just as you please, my child," and they said no more about the matter.
The following day the weather was superb, and Eudoxia beheld the calèche waiting in the yard, the horses pawing the ground, impatient to be off.
"My cold is almost gone," she said.
"I think, indeed," said Madame d'Aubonne, "that the calèche will do you no great harm."
"You know, mamma," said Eudoxia, with a sigh, "that it is not I who am going in it."
"You can still do as you like, my child, for I have not spoken on the subject to Madame de Rivry; you are not obliged, therefore, to make this sacrifice, if it be painful to you."
"But, mamma, I think it would be right to make it," said Eudoxia, with sadness.