Polite society, indeed! Why, there are thirty-six different kinds of polite society. For instance, take Havre.
I know only ours. [_Corrects herself._] That is, I mean to say, mine, which is the correct one.
Oh, naturally, naturally! Nevertheless, simple as it may be, this marriage is an acknowledged fact, and I hope that you have taken into your good books my dear nephew, who, until now--
I can hardly help doing so since he is my brother's son-in-law, and my niece's husband.
Well, that is not the only thing, is it? I am very happy that the affair is over--although my life has been spent in the midst of difficulties.
I mean commercial difficulties, not matrimonial.
What commercial difficulties can you have--you, a Croesus who has just given five hundred thousand francs in dowry to his nephew. [_With a sigh._] Five hundred thousand francs! Just what my late husband squandered.
Oh! Yes, I know that, Madame de Ronchard.
I was ruined and deserted after just one year of married life, Monsieur--one year. I just had time to realize how happy I could be, for the scoundrel, the wretch, knew how to make me love him.
Oh, don't let us talk any more about my misfortunes. It would be too long and too sad, and everybody else is so happy here just now.
And I am happier than anybody else, I assure you. My nephew is such a good fellow. I love him as I would a son. Now, as for myself, I made my fortune in trade--
In the sea-going trade. But my nephew will gain fame for our name by his renown as an artist; the only difference between us is that he makes his fortune with his brushes, and I have made mine with ships. Art, to-day, Madame, may be as important as trade, but it is less profitable. Take my nephew. Although he has made a very early success, it is I who have enabled him to. When my poor brother died, his wife following him almost immediately, I found myself, while quite a young man, left alone with this baby. Well, I made him learn everything that I could. He studied chemistry, music, and literature, but he had a leaning toward art more than to the other things. I assure you that I encouraged him in it, and you see how he has succeeded. He is only just thirty, is well known, and has just been decorated.