The
baby would not live a week in such a place. And, besides, Madame Menoux
would not have time to attend to the child. She has never had a servant,
and what with waiting on customers and having to cook meals in time for
her husband's return from the museum, she never has a moment to spare.
Oh! if she could, she would be very happy to keep the little fellow with
her."
"It is true," said Marianne sadly; "there are some poor mothers whom I
pity with all my heart. This person you speak of is not in poverty, and
yet is reduced to this cruel separation. For my part, I should not be
able to exist if a child of mine were taken away from me to some unknown
spot and given to another woman."
La Couteau doubtless interpreted this as an attack upon herself. Assuming
the kindly demeanor of one who dotes on children, the air which she
always put on to prevail over hesitating mothers, she replied: "Oh,
Rougemont is such a very pretty place. And then it's not far from Bayeux,
so that folks are by no means savages there. The air is so pure, too,
that people come there to recruit their health. And, besides, the little
ones who are confided to us are well cared for, I assure you.
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