If it pleases them to keep it, so much the better.

The more shameful, infamous and odious their conduct appears, the better I shall be satisfied." The baron made no reply; but his wife spoke, believing she had a sure means of conquering this incomprehensible obstinacy.
"I should understand your determination if you were alone in the world," said she, "but you have children." "My son is eighteen, Madame; he possesses good health and an excellent education.

He can make his own way in Paris, if he chooses to remain there." "But your daughter ?" "Marie-Anne will remain with me." M.d'Escorval thought it his duty to interfere.
"Take care, my dear friend, that your grief does not overthrow your reason," said he.

"Reflect! What will become of you--your daughter and yourself ?" The wretched man smiled sadly.
"Oh," he replied, "we are not as destitute as I said.

I exaggerated our misfortune.