"People pretend that we are
not patriots because we don't leave troops of children behind us. But
that is simply ridiculous; each serves the country in his own way. If the
poor folks give it soldiers, we give it our capital--all the proceeds of
our commerce and industry. A fine lot of good would it do the country if
we were to ruin ourselves with big families, which would hamper us,
prevent us from getting rich, and afterwards destroy whatever we create
by subdividing it. With our laws and customs there can be no substantial
fortune unless a family is limited to one son. And yes, that is
necessary; but one son--an only son--that is the only wise course;
therein lies the only possible happiness."
It became so painful to hear him, in his position, speaking in that
fashion, that the others remained silent, full of embarrassment. And he,
thinking that he was convincing them, went on triumphantly: "Thus, I
myself--"
But at this moment Constance interrupted him. She had hitherto walked on
with bowed head amid that flow of chatter which brought her so much
torture and shame, an aggravation, as it were, of her defeat. But now she
raised her face, down which two big tears were trickling.
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