"He is about to enlist," said Mme. de Blauve simply. "Through him, I hope that our name will be represented to the end."
Every one knew that this last son was her Benjamin, petted more than all her other children. Her present anxiety was for her daughters; she would fain have married them at once.
"Marry them!" cried Odette; "but to whom, at such a time as this?"
"To good young soldiers, that they may soon have children."
Not the slightest emotion, though the family was truly affectionate; one single idea—to come to the defense of the country, by whatever means. Odette could not but admire, though at the same time she trembled.
"How far advanced is your mourning?" asked Mme. de Blauve almost severely.
"What?" asked Odette.
"I mean, how long is it since you lost you dear husband?"
"Just eighteen months," replied Odette.
"You are young," said Mme. de Blauve; "my child, you still have duties to perform."