Society attacked her, and this is what she lost:--
First her lover.
Then her child.
Then her place.
Then her hair.
Then her teeth.
Then her liberty.
Then her life.
What do you think of society after that? I tell you the present
social system is a humbug.
X.
This is necessarily the end of Fantine. There are other things
that will be stated in other volumes to follow. Don't be alarmed;
there are plenty of miserable people left.
Au revoir--my friend.
"LA FEMME."
AFTER THE FRENCH OF M. MICHELET.
I.
WOMEN AS AN INSTITUTION.
"If it were not for women, few of us would at present be in
existence." This is the remark of a cautious and discreet writer.
He was also sagacious and intelligent.
Woman! Look upon her and admire her. Gaze upon her and love her.
If she wishes to embrace you, permit her. Remember she is weak and
you are strong.
But don't treat her unkindly. Don't make love to another woman
before her face, even if she be your wife. Don't do it. Always be
polite, even should she fancy somebody better than you.
If your mother, my dear Amadis, had not fancied your father better
than somebody, you might have been that somebody's son.
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