"Somebody will be stealing her from me, you know."
Then it occurred to her to kiss the child in passionate fashion, feigning
the emotion of a woman who regrets that she is childless. "Yes; indeed
one regrets it very much when one sees such a treasure as this sweet girl
of yours. Ah! if one could only be sure that God would give one such a
charming child--well, at all events, I shall steal her from you; you need
not expect me to bring her back again."
The enraptured Moranges laughed delightedly. And Mathieu, who knew her
well, listened in stupefaction. How many times during their short and
passionate attachment had she not inveighed against children! In her
estimation maternity poisoned love, aged woman, and made a horror of her
in the eyes of man.
The Moranges accompanied her and Reine to the landing. And they could not
find words warm enough to express their happiness at seeing such coveted
wealth and luxury come to seek their daughter. When the door of the flat
was closed Valerie darted on to the balcony, exclaiming, "Let us see them
drive off."
Morange, who no longer gave a thought to the office, took up a position
near her, and called Mathieu and compelled him likewise to lean over and
look down.
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