Part 3 (1/2)
”Yes, my dear, that is agreed.”
”But shall I keep my place in the department? That would prevent me from leaving the city.”
”You must not keep it! What is the use? We have fifteen thousand francs a year; is that not enough to be happy?”
”Oh! it is more than we need.”
”Besides, your place would keep you away from me all day and I don't want that!”
”Dear Adeline, but your mother--what will she say if I give up my place?”
”Mamma has but one desire--to make me happy; she will approve our plans, for she has no more ambition than we have.”
”All right, then it is decided; I send in my resignation to-morrow.”
”Yes, dear.”
”And we will buy a small country house, simple, but in good taste, where we will live with your mother. Where shall we buy?”
”Where you please, my dear.”
”No, it is for you to decide.”
”You know that I am always of your opinion.”
”Very well, then we will visit the suburbs, we will read the advertis.e.m.e.nts, we will consult mamma.”
”That is right, my dear.”
”Shall we entertain much?”
”As you please, my dear.”
”My dear love, that is for you to decide.”
”Very well! then we will receive very few people, for company would prevent us from being together, from going to walk and to drive alone; and I feel that that would annoy me terribly!”
”How sweet you are!”
”We will receive just a few friends; mamma's, for example.”
”Exactly. In the morning we will walk in the garden--for we must have a garden, mustn't we?”
”Oh! yes, my dear! A big garden, with lots of shade,--and thickets!”
”Ah! you are already thinking of the thickets!”
”Does that offend you, monsieur?”
Edouard's only reply was to kiss his wife, press her to his heart, receive her soft caresses, and--the conversation was interrupted for several minutes.