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Updated: May 23, 2025
They went to Marescot to ask him to raise money for them, either by the sale of the Ecalles meadow, or by a mortgage on their farm, or by giving up their house on the condition of getting a life annuity and keeping the usufruct. In Marescot's opinion this would be an impracticable course; but a better means might be devised, and they should be informed about it.
The loss of the Ecalles, which was valued at two thousand francs per acre, caused him an annual depreciation of seventy, and he was sure to win in the courts. Their fortune was diminished. What were they to do? And soon the question would be, How were they to live? They both sat down to table full of discouragement. Marcel knew nothing about it in the kitchen.
She wished to have for her marriage portion the Ecalles meadow, which he could not dispose of, having partly retained it, like the farm, with the money of another person. "Exactly," said Pécuchet. "I had had the folly to promise her any favour she asked and this was what she was after! I attribute her obstinacy to this; for if she loved me she would have given way to me."
Marianne herself had, a short time before, told him all about the sale of the Ecalles meadow a piece of land with a splendid yield, suitable in every way, and scarcely requiring any cultivation at all, the best bit in the whole farm! and he asked for a reduction. The two gentlemen refused it. The matter was submitted to the justice of the peace, who decided in favour of the farmer.
A lady in the neighbourhood was willing to advance a thousand crown-pieces on the security of a mortgage of their farm, and, as they were expressing their satisfaction at the proposal: "Pardon me. She adds, as a condition, that you should sell her the Ecalles meadow for fifteen hundred francs. The loan will be advanced this very day. The money is in my office."
She wished to buy the Ecalles from him. Bouvard experienced a kind of chilling sensation, and he hurried towards Pécuchet's room. Pécuchet did not know what reply to make. He was in an anxious frame of mind, as M. Vaucorbeil was to be there presently. At length Madame Bordin arrived.
Often had he surprised her before the Ecalles, in Marescot's company, having a gossip with Germaine. So many manoeuvres for a little bit of land! "She is avaricious! That's the explanation." So they ruminated over their disappointments by the fireside in the breakfast parlour, Pécuchet swallowing his medicines and Bouvard puffing at his pipe; and they began a discussion about women.
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