But since he had fought the cause of love
he had found another faith. Thus he contented himself with saying rather
maliciously: "But you forget your daughter Andree and her little boy
Leonce."
"Oh! Andree!" replied Seguin, waving his hand as if she did not belong to
him.
Valentine, however, had stopped short, gazing at him fixedly. Since their
household had been wrecked and they had been leading lives apart, she no
longer tolerated his sudden attacks of insane brutality and jealousy. By
reason also of the squandering of their fortune she had a hold on him,
for he feared that she might ask for certain accounts to be rendered her.
"Yes," he granted, "there is Andree; but then girls don't count."
They were walking on again when Beauchene, who had hitherto contented
himself with puffing and chewing his cigar, for reserve was imposed upon
him by the frightful drama of his own family life, was unable to remain
silent any longer. Forgetful, relapsing into the extraordinary
unconsciousness which always set him erect, like a victorious superior
man, he spoke out loudly and boldly:
"I don't belong to Seguin's school, but, all the same, he says some true
things.
Pages:
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585