At that cost she might be properly looked after."
Beauchene walked nervously up and down, and then replied: "Well, I
haven't a bad heart, as you know. Five hundred francs more or less will
not inconvenience me. If I flew into a temper just now it was because the
mere idea of being robbed and imposed upon puts me beside myself. But if
it's a question of charity, why, then, do as you suggest. It must be
understood, however, that I won't mix myself up in anything; I wish even
to remain ignorant of what you do. Choose a nurse, place the girl where
you please, and I will simply pay the bill. Neither more nor less."
Then he heaved a sigh of relief at the prospect of being extricated from
this equivocal position, the worry of which he refused to acknowledge.
And once more he put on the mien of a superior, victorious man, one who
is certain that he will win all the battles of life. In fact, he even
jested about the girl, and at last went off repeating his instructions:
"See that my conditions are fully understood. I don't want to know
anything about any child. Do whatever you please, but never let me hear
another word of the matter.
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