But Philippe?
what would he do if reduced to live on the five hundred francs of an officer of the Legion of honor?
During the past eleven years, Madame Descoings, by giving up three thousand francs a year, had paid her debt twice over, but she still continued to sacrifice her grandson's interests to those of the Bridau family.
Though all Agathe's honorable and upright feelings were shocked by this terrible disaster, she said to herself: "Poor boy! is it his fault?
He is faithful to his oath.

I have done wrong not to marry him.

If I had found him a wife, he would not have got entangled with this danseuse.

He has such a vigorous constitution--" Madame Descoings had likewise reflected during the night as to the best way of saving the honor of the family.

At daybreak, she got out of bed and went to her friend's room.
"Neither you nor Philippe should manage this delicate matter," she urged.