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Updated: June 11, 2025
Bretoneux had warned her that the damp mists and rain would be bad for him she put aside all timidity. Now, no matter what the weather was like, she never got into the carriage without looking to see that his overcoat was in its place and a silk scarf in the pocket; if a slight breeze came up she put the scarf around his neck or helped him into his coat.
At the first words Perrine was reassured; if it was only of M. Vulfran's health that she wanted to speak she had nothing to fear. "I think you are a very intelligent girl," said Mme. Bretoneux with a flattering, ingratiating smile. At these words and the look which accompanied them Perrine's suspicions were aroused at once.
"Thank you," she said, exaggerating her simple child-like smile, "all I ask is to give as good service as William." "Ah, I was sure we could count on you," said Mme. Bretoneux. "You have only to say what you wish, Madame," said little Perrine, looking up at the intruder with her big innocent eyes.
Belhomme, which otherwise would certainly have remained closed. As soon as the governess heard that Mme. Bretoneux was coming she had a very serious talk with her little pupil. "My dear child," she said, lowering her voice, "I must give you some advice; I want you to be very reserved with this lady who is coming here tomorrow." "Reserved, about what?" asked Perrine in surprise.
Bretoneux, "and you can prove your devotion by giving him the care which I am telling you to give him. My brother must not only be protected from catching cold, but he must be guarded against sudden emotions which might, in his state of health, kill him. He is trying to find our dear Edmond, his only son. He is making inquiries in India...." She paused, but Perrine made no reply.
Bretoneux, "the same as what you do for us will be for him. And I am going to show you that I am not ungrateful. What would you say if I gave you a very nice dress?" Perrine did not want to say anything, but as she had to make some reply to the question she put it into a smile. "A very beautiful dress to wear in the evening," said Mme. Bretoneux. "But I am in mourning," answered Perrine.
Perrine turned the lock. Madame Bretoneux slipped into the room while Perrine turned on the light. "Get into bed again," said Madame Bretoneux, "we can talk just as well." She took a chair and sat at the foot of the bed so that she was full face with Perrine. "I want to talk with you about my brother," she began.
"Yes, Monsieur Theodore Paindavoine, his brother's son, and Monsieur Casimir Bretoneux, his sister's son, who help him in the business. If M. Edmond doesn't come back the fortune and all the factories will go to his two nephews." "Oh, really!" "Yes, and that'll be a sad thing, sad for the whole town.
Lachaise to dress you when you were a little factory girl, but now, that it pleases my brother to have you sit at the table with him, we do not wish to blush for you. You must not mind us making fun of you, but you have no idea how you amused us in that dreadful waist you have been wearing...." Mme. Bretoneux smiled as though she could still see Perrine in the hideous waist.
Neither side thought that a partnership could be possible, and the two cousins share alike. Each wanted all for himself. Both Mme. Bretoneux and Mme. Paindavoine had ignored Perrine since their arrival. They had given her to understand that they did not require her services any longer.
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