"
"Doctor, have pity on me," said Josephine.
"You have no heart," said Rose. "She shall see him though, in spite of
you."
"Oh, yes! he has a heart," said Josephine: "he is my best friend. He
will let me see my boy."
All this, and the tearful eyes and coaxing yet trembling voice, was
hard to resist. But Aubertin saw clearly, and stood firm. He put his
handkerchief to his eyes a moment: then took the pining young mother's
hand. "And, do you think," said he, "I do not pity you and love your
boy? Ah! he will never want a father whilst I live; and from this moment
he is under my care. I will go to see him; I will bring you news, and
all in good time; I will place him where you shall visit him without
imprudence; but, for the present, trust a wiser head than yours or
Rose's; and give me your sacred promise not to go to Frejus."
Weighed down by his good-sense and kindness, Josephine resisted no
longer in words. She just lifted her hands in despair and began to cry.
It was so piteous, Aubertin was ready to yield in turn, and consent to
any imprudence, when he met with an unexpected ally.
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