HAVING FINISHED OFF her bonbon, Beatrice raises her objections.
Madeleine belongs to us, she says. Why must we give her away?
Because, explains Mother, in good families, such as ours, it's best that girls of a certain age, and of certain experiences, be married.
But there are hundreds of nicer husbands, says Beatrice. What about that man who appeared at our door, the one with the moustache?
It is out of my hands, Mother says. Madeleine herself has chosen M. Jouy. In Nature's eyes, he is already her husband.
If that were true, Beatrice thinks, then he would be married to half the girls in our village.
Besides, Mother adds, he is agreeable, and undemanding. He will not complain about a wife who is often asleep.
Always asleep, says Beatrice.
He will not complain. Because how can he? When he himself is—
Lacking?
Yes, that's a fair way of putting it. To bring two people together, two incomplete people, is the right thing to do.
She was not always lacking, Beatrice thinks.
And do not forget, says Mother, what a help M. Jouy will be to have around the house. Remember how we used to pay him, in the springtime, to clean the shed? A son-in-law is what your father needs. One who is strong, with a healthy back, and who can keep him company.
Oh yes, says Beatrice, mechanically. It's the least we can do for Papa.
But you stay away from him, Mother warns.
Of course, Beatrice murmurs, lashes lowered.