II.--Plots and Plays
Next morning Madame Mauperin proceeded to Paris, and drove to her son's apartments in the Rue Taitbout. She found him at work. After some beating about the bush she approached the object of her visit.
"I fear," she began, "that you must have some reason for ..."
"For not marrying, isn't it? My dear mother, you need not worry. I know that wealth is needed for a successful career, and that the best and most honourable way to obtain it is a good marriage. And I am determined to make a career. I shall get married soon enough... and better, perhaps, than you think."
At La Briche, meanwhile, M. Mauperin vainly tried to be stern with his pet.
"I have done it purposely," she said.
"And why?"
"Because I love you better than that young gentleman who was in no way sympathetic to me. You are ungrateful."
"But listen, my dear child! Fathers are egotists, and would prefer to keep their children. But I am old, and I should not like to part without seeing you married, a mother, with affections that will replace mine."
"Oh, this is wicked! Never, never!" she exclaimed; "let me cry alone for a minute." And she left the room hurriedly.