Eugénie listened with undisguised interest, and softened as Louis continued. When he had finished, she said: “What do you wish me to do? to show some interest in them?”
“It would be a very timely act of charity. The mother has not done any work for several days, the father is gone from morning till night, and the daughter is discouraged. You can rouse her courage much better than I. And allow me to say, mademoiselle, that the difficulties that once might have hindered you being removed, this work, for many reasons, is much more suitable for you than for me.”
“I will go to see them.”
“Thank you, mademoiselle,” replied Louis. “I am overwhelmed with cares and occupations, and give the family up to you with pleasure.”
“Do you not mean to visit them any more?”
“I have a great mind not to.”
“Why not?”
“It is a delicate subject, but I think the less I go there, the better.”
“I understand you, ... but still I do not think you are right. Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra,[196] is my motto. Is it not yours?”
“It would be, mademoiselle, if the world were not so malicious. As it is, people even of the best intentions cannot take too many precautions. I confess there is nothing I dread more than calumny. It always does injury, and it is hard to feel we are losing the esteem of those whose good opinion we desire the most.”