But the inevitable was on the march, for the girl had become the constant
companion of Seraphine. The latter, however depraved she might be, had
certainly in the first instance entertained no idea of corrupting the
child whom she patronized. She had at first taken her solely to such
places of amusement as were fit for her years and understanding. But
little by little the descent had come. Reine, too, as she grew into a
woman, amid the hours of idleness when she was left alone by her
father--who, perforce, had to spend his days at the Beauchene
works--developed an ardent temperament and a thirst for every frivolous
pleasure. And by degrees the once simply petted child became a
participator in Seraphine's own reckless and dissolute life.
When the end came, and Reine found herself in dire trouble because of a
high State functionary, a married man, a friend of Seraphine's--both
women quite lost their heads. Such a blow might kill Morange. Everything
must be hidden from him; but how? Thereupon Seraphine devised a plan. She
obtained permission for Reine to accompany her on a visit into the
country; but while the fond father imagined that his daughter was
enjoying herself among society folk at a chateau in the Loiret, she was
really hiding in Paris.
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