They were now to be reduced to live on four thousand francs a year; and that day she had counted up her debts,--they amounted to something like thirty-two thousand francs! The most ignoble of all wretchedness had come upon them.

And that noble man who had trusted her was ignorant that she had abused the fortune he had confided to her care.

She was sobbing at his feet, beautiful as the Magdalen.
"My cup is full," cried Xavier, in terror.

"I am dishonored at the ministry, and dishonored--" The light of her pure honor flashed from Celestine's eyes; she sprang up like a startled horse and cast a fulminating glance at Rabourdin.
"I! I!" she said, on two sublime tones.

"Am I a base wife?
If I were, you would have been appointed.