right; but you must stop there, and not prolong this foolishness,' And,
just as I was going to protest: 'Oh yes; foolishness!' 'Remember,
Marceline's happiness is at stake. You have no right to compromise her.
You come back from China all at once, and your abrupt return will break
off more sensible, more studied arrangements. M. de Courtalin is
thirty-four; he is a man of great knowledge and wisdom. However, I know
that that is only a secondary consideration; but love passes away, and
money remains, and M. de Courtalin is richer, very much richer, than
you. With him Marceline will have quite a grand position. Whereas you,
you know how I love you, and I know how worthy you are of being loved.
You are charming, charming, charming.' It was your mother who spoke
thus."

"I know; I know."

"'Yes, charming; but when I have said that, I have said all. So I will
ask you this question, and I expect from you a faithful answer: Have you
those solid qualities which alone can make a husband, a true husband?
Marceline is a little light-headed, a little frivolous, a little
coquettish.' It is always your mother who is speaking."

"I know; I know."

"I was embarrassed, Aunt Louise; it seemed to me that that speech was
not without reason. I hadn't a very high idea of myself as a husband,
and even now I ask myself--"

"Don't ask yourself anything. Be an affectionate husband, and you will
have all the virtues. Nothing simpler, as you see. You can go on."