Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/184

 would have been able to ask for a post in the naval offices for his grand-nephew; but an imprisonment for debt will doubtless paralyze the admiral’s applications. Pay Savinien’s debts, let him serve in the navy—he will make his way like a true Portenduère—he has their fire in his beautiful black eyes—and we will all help him.

“So do not despair, madame; you still have friends, amongst whom I wish to be included as one of the most sincere, and I send all wishes with the respects of

“Your very affectionate servant,

“ÉMILIE DE KERGAROUËT.”

TO MADAME DE PORTENDUERE.

“Portenduère, August, 1829.

“MY DEAR AUNT,

“I am as much vexed as distressed at Savinien’s escapades. Married, the father of two sons and a daughter, my fortune, already so slender relatively to my position and prospects, does not permit me to diminish it by a sum of one hundred thousand francs to pay the ransom of a Portenduère whom the moneylenders have seized. Sell your farm, pay his debts and come to Portenduère; you will there find the welcome we owe you, even were our hearts not wholly yours. You will live happily, and we will end by marrying Savinien, whom my wife thinks charming. This prank is nothing, do not be unhappy, it will never be known in our province, where we know several very rich girls who would be delighted to belong to us.

“My wife joins with me in telling you of the pleasure you would give us, and begs you will accept her wishes for the realization of this project and the assurance of our affectionate respects.

“LUC-SAVINIEN COMTE DE PORTENDUERE.”

“What letters for a Kergarouët!” cried the old Bretonne, wiping her eyes.

“The admiral does not know that his nephew is