If you were poor and
compelled to earn your daily bread--a task which you are probably
incapable of performing--who can tell what depths of degradation
you might descend to? With your instincts and your vices, who
knows what crime you wouldn't commit to obtain money? It wouldn't
be long before you were in the dock, and I should hear of you only
through your disgrace. But, on the other hand, if you were rich,
you would probably lead an honest life, like many others, who,
wanting for nothing, are not tempted to do wrong, who, in fact,
show virtue in which there is nothing worthy of praise. For real
virtue implies temptation--a struggle and victory."
Although he did not understand these remarks very well, M. Wilkie
evinced a desire to offer some objections; but Madame d'Argeles
had already resumed: "So I went to my notary this morning. I told
him everything; and by this time my renunciation of my rights to
the estate of the Count de Chalusse is already recorded."
"What! your renunciation. Oh! no."
"Allow me to finish since you don't understand me. As soon as I
renounce the inheritance it becomes yours."
"Truly?"
"I have no wish to deceive you. I only desire that the name of
Lia d'Argeles should not be mentioned. I will give you the
necessary proofs to establish your identity; my marriage contract
and your certificate of birth.
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