There was an apparent truth in this argument which the poor woman was unable to answer. Before the interview was over the money demanded was forthcoming, though at the time it could be but ill afforded, and the youth went away apparently with a light heart, hardly listening to his mother's entreaties that the affair with Marie Melmotte might, if possible, be brought to a speedy conclusion.

The poor woman was unable to argue against this. The money was handed over, and the youth went away with a light heart, hardly listening to his mother's entreaties that the affair with Marie Melmotte might be brought to a speedy conclusion.
