First Part Chapter 35

Ah! you complained of your lot. Hypocrite! What would you have?
L'Estorade is most presentable; he talks well; he has fine eyes; and
his black hair, dashed with white, is very becoming; his southern
manners, too, have something attractive about them. As far as I can
make out, he will, sooner or later, be elected deputy for the
Bouches-du-Rhone; in the Chamber he is sure to come to the front, for
you can always count on me to promote your interests. The sufferings
of his exile have given him that calm and dignified air which goes
half-way, in my opinion, to make a politician. For the whole art of
politics, dear, seems to me to consist in looking serious. At this rate,
Macumer, as I told him, ought certainly to have a high position in the
state. And so, having completely satisfied myself of your happiness, I fly
off contented to my dear Chantepleurs, where Felipe must really
achieve his aspirations. I have made up my mind not to receive you
there without a fine baby at my breast to match yours.

Oh! I know very well I deserve all the epithets you can hurl at me. I
am a fool, a wretch, an idiot. Alas! that is just what jealousy means.
I am not vexed with you, but I was miserable, and you will forgive me
for escaping from my misery. Two days more, and I should have made an
exhibition of myself; yes, there would have been an outbreak of
vulgarity. But in spite of the rage gnawing at my heart, I am glad to have come,
glad to have seen you in the pride of your beautiful motherhood, my
friend still, as I remain yours in all the absorption of my love. Why,
even here at Marseilles, only a step from your door, I begin to feel
proud of you and of the splendid mother that you will make.