The things we do!

He did not want for abilities; had the best temper in the world;
was well bred and gentlemanlike always; and was gay even after Moscow.
His courage was known, and his character for bravery and another kind of
gallantry probably exaggerated by his bad reputation. Had his mother not
been alive, perhaps he would have believed in the virtue of no woman. But
this one he worshipped, and spoke with tenderness and enthusiasm of her
constant love and patience and goodness. "See her miniature!" he said, "I
never separate myself from it--oh, never! It saved my life in an affair
about--about a woman who was not worth the powder which poor Jules and I
burned for her. His ball struck me here, upon the waistcoat, bruising my
rib and sending me to my bed, which I never should have left alive but
for this picture. Oh, she is an angel, my mother! I am sure that Heaven
has nothing to deny that saint, and that her tears wash out my sins."
Olive smiled. "I think Madame de Florac must weep a good deal," he said.


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