"I have, it is true, rendered life unbearable to an angelic spirit if she has to pass it in the world; but I trust I shall not die until I place her in security, safe from coldness, indifference, and hatred--" "Oh, godfather--I beg of you--say no more.

There is nothing the matter with me," cried Ursula, meeting Madame de Portenduere's eyes rather than give too much meaning to her words by looking at Savinien.
"I cannot know, madame," said Savinien to his mother, "whether Mademoiselle Ursula suffers, but I do know that you are torturing me." Hearing these words, dragged from the generous young man by his mother's treatment of herself, Ursula turned pale and begged Madame de Portenduere to excuse her; then she took her uncle's arm, bowed, left the room, and returned home.

Once there, she rushed to the salon and sat down to the piano, put her head in her hands, and burst into tears.
"Why don't you leave the management of your affairs to my old experience, cruel child ?" cried the doctor in despair.

"Nobles never think themselves under any obligations to the bourgeoisie.

When we do them a service they consider that we do our duty, and that's all.
Besides, the old lady saw that you looked favorably on Savinien; she is afraid he will love you." "At any rate he is saved!" said Ursula.