Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/267

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“Nemours, January 15, 1830.

“MY LITTLE ANGEL,

“My paternal affection, which you have so thoroughly justified, has had as principle not only the vow I made your poor father to replace him; but still further your likeness to Ursule Mirouët, my wife, of whose grace, mind, sincerity and charm, you have incessantly reminded me. Your position as daughter of my father-in-law’s natural son may render any testamentary arrangement made in your favor subject to dispute—

“The old scoundrel!” cried the postmaster.

“Your adoption would have been the cause of a lawsuit. Finally, I have always shrunk from the idea of marrying you to transmit my fortune to you; for I might have lived a long time and disturbed your future happiness, which is only delayed by Madame de Portenduère’s life. These difficulties being thoroughly weighed, and wishing to leave you the fortune necessary to a happy life—

“The rascal, he has thought of everything!”

“Without injuring my heirs in any way—

“The Jesuit! as if he did not owe us all his fortune!”

“I have reserved for you the fruits of my savings of eighteen years, which I have constantly put out at interest through the care of my notary, with a view to making you as happy as is possible through riches. Without money