OR THE BALL DRESS. 125

 

‘But, Valentine, this small sum cannot last him
long. Oh! how I would wish to be able to give him
enough to allow him to rest for the remainder of his
life. Ten sovereigns will only save him from work-
ing for a short time, but a sufficient sum would make
him happy for ever in this world. My ball dress will
cost forty, and what pleasure will it afford me? None.
I think, Valentine, I could get a dress for ten sove-
reigns, that would suit me better than a richer one.
What do you think ?’

‘J, madam! Ishould be delighted to see you
beautifully dressed.’

‘Ah! Valentine, look at that poor old man, and
you will soon forget such a vain idea. ‘Think of the
happiness I should procure for him by giving him
forty sovereigns.’

‘But, madam, you might be the only one at the
féte simply dressed, and that might displease your
father-in-law when he gave you so much money to
procure a rich dress.’

‘That’s very true, Valentine, and perhaps Leonce
would not be pleased either ; however, they are both
so kind and generous! Let us go back to the house
before we give him anything, and I will consult with
my husband.’