La Couteau doubtless interpreted this as an attack upon herself. Assuming
the kindly demeanor of one who dotes on children, the air which she
always put on to prevail over hesitating mothers, she replied: "Oh,
Rougemont is such a very pretty place. And then it's not far from Bayeux,
so that folks are by no means savages there. The air is so pure, too,
that people come there to recruit their health. And, besides, the little
ones who are confided to us are well cared for, I assure you. One would
have to be heartless to do otherwise than love such little angels."

However, like Celeste, she relapsed into silence on seeing how
significantly Mathieu was looking at her. Perhaps, in spite of her rustic
ways, she understood that there was a false ring in her voice. Besides,
of what use was her usual patter about the salubrity of the region, since
that lady, Madame Seguin, wished to have a nurse at her house? So she
resumed: "Then it's understood, madame, I will bring you the best we
have, a real treasure."

Valentine, now a little tranquillized as to her fears for herself, found
strength to speak out. "No, no, I won't pledge myself in advance. I will
send to see the nurses you bring to the office, and we shall see if there
is one to suit me."

Then, without occupying herself further about the woman, she turned to
Marianne, and asked: "Shall you nurse your baby yourself?"

"Certainly, as I did with the others. We have very decided opinions on
that point, my husband and I."

"No doubt. I understand you: I should much like to do the same myself;
but it is impossible."