Charlotte, who had a more
delicate, and perhaps a weaker, nature than her gay, sensible sister, had
become passionately fond of drawing and painting, which she had learnt at
first simply by way of accomplishment. She had ended, however, by
painting miniatures very prettily, and, as her mother remarked, her
proficiency might prove a resource to her in the event of misfortune.
Certainly there was some of the bourgeois respect and esteem for a good
education in the fairly cordial greeting which Constance extended to
Charlotte, who had painted a miniature portrait of her, a good though a
flattering likeness.
On the other hand, Blaise, who was endowed with the creative fire of the
Froments, ever striving, ever hard at work, became a valuable assistant
to Maurice as soon as a brief stay in Morange's office had made him
familiar with the business of the firm. Indeed it was Maurice who,
finding that his father seconded him less and less, had insisted on
Blaise and Charlotte installing themselves in the little pavilion, in
order that the former's services might at all times be available. And
Constance, ever on her knees before her son, could in this matter only
obey respectfully.
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