And giving those ten
francs to Alexandre, she said: "Listen, I can do nothing for you. We live
all three in this one room, and we scarcely earn our bread. It grieves me
very much to know that you are so unfortunately circumstanced. But you
mustn't rely on me. Do as we do--work."
He pocketed the ten francs, and remained there for another moment swaying
about, and saying that he had not come for money, and that he could very
well understand things. For his part he always behaved properly with
people when people behaved properly with him. And he repeated that since
she showed herself good-natured he had no idea of creating any scandal. A
mother who did what she could performed her duty, even though she might
only give a ten-sous piece. Then, as he was at last going off, he
inquired: "Won't you kiss me?"
She kissed him, but with cold lips and lifeless heart, and the two
smacking kisses which, with noisy affectation, he gave her in return,
left her cheeks quivering.
"And au revoir, eh?" said he. "Although one may be poor and unable to
keep together, each knows now that the other's in the land of the living.
And there is no reason why I shouldn't come up just now and again to wish
you good day when I'm passing.
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