"In fact,
between them, there's no knowing where they'll stop; they'll end in the
mire, my dear."
But just then a soft voice interrupted them. It was M. Venot, and he had
come and seated himself behind them, as though anxious to disappear from
view. Bending forward, he murmured:
"Why despair? God manifests Himself when all seems lost."
He was assisting peacefully at the downfall of the house which he
erewhile governed. Since his stay at Les Fondettes he had been allowing
the madness to increase, for he was very clearly aware of his own
powerlessness. He had, indeed, accepted the whole position--the count's
wild passion for Nana, Fauchery's presence, even Estelle's marriage with
Daguenet. What did these things matter? He even became more supple and
mysterious, for he nursed a hope of being able to gain the same mastery
over the young as over the disunited couple, and he knew that great
disorders lead to great conversions. Providence would have its
opportunity.
"Our friend," he continued in a low voice, "is always animated by the
best religious sentiments. He has given me the sweetest proofs of this."
"Well," said Mme du Joncquoy, "he ought first to have made it up with
his wife.
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