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some hint to Emma about the power of attorney. He never
mentioned the bill; she did not think of it. Charles, at the
beginning of her convalescence, had certainly said some-
thing about it to her, but so many emotions had passed
through her head that she no longer remembered it. Besides,
she took care not to talk of any money questions. Madame
Bovary seemed surprised at this, and attributed the change
in her ways to the religious sentiments she had contracted
during her illness.
But as soon as she was gone, Emma greatly astounded
Bovary by her practical good sense. It would be necessary to
make inquiries, to look into mortgages, and see if there were
any occasion for a sale by auction or a liquidation. She quot-
ed technical terms casually, pronounced the grand words
of order, the future, foresight, and constantly exaggerated
the difficulties of settling his father’s affairs so much, that
at last one day she showed him the rough draft of a power
of attorney to manage and administer his business, arrange
all loans, sign and endorse all bills, pay all sums, etc. She
had profited by Lheureux’s lessons. Charles naively asked
her where this paper came from.
‘Monsieur Guillaumin”; and with the utmost coolness
she added, ‘I don’t trust him overmuch. Notaries have such
a bad reputation. Perhaps we ought to consult—we only
know—no one.’
‘Unless Leon—‘ replied Charles, who was reflecting. But
it was difficult to explain matters by letter. Then she offered
to make the journey, but he thanked her. She insisted. It was
quite a contest of mutual consideration. At last she cried