"Mamma! mamma! she does not love him."
"Love him? She would be no daughter of mine if she loved a man at sight.
A modest woman loves her husband only."
"But she scarcely knows Monsieur Raynal."
"She knows more of him than I knew of your father when I married him.
She knows his virtues and appreciates them. I have heard her, have
I not, love? Esteem soon ripens into love when they are once fairly
married."
"Mother, does her silence then tell you nothing? Her tears--are they
nothing to you?"
"Silly child! These are tears that do not scald. The sweet soul weeps
because she now for the first time sees she will have to leave her
mother. Alas! my eldest, it is inevitable. Mothers are not immortal.
While they are here it is their duty to choose good husbands for their
daughters. My youngest, I believe, has chosen for herself--like the
nation. But for my eldest I choose. We shall see which chooses the best.
Meantime we stay at Beaurepaire, thanks to my treasure here."
"Josephine! Josephine! you don't say one word," cried Rose in dismay.
"What CAN I say? I love my mother and I love you.
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