The things we do!

Indeed, dear lady, I think with you.
Madame de F. I understand thy smile, my daughter. I can say to thee,
that when we were children almost, I knew thy good uncle. My poor father
took the pride of his family into exile with him. Our poverty only made
his pride the greater. Even before the emigration a contract had been
passed between our family and the Count de Florac. I could not be wanting
to the word given by my father. For how many long years have I kept it?
But when I see a young girl who may be made the victim--the subject of a
marriage of convenience, as I was--my heart pities her. And if I love
her, as I love you, I tell her my thoughts. Better poverty, Ethel: better
a cell in a convent: than a union without love. Is it written eternally
that men are to make slaves of us? Here in France, above all, our fathers
sell us every day. And what a society ours is! Thou wilt know this when
thou art married. There are some laws so cruel that nature revolts
against theme, and breaks them--or we die in keeping them.


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