Guy de Maupassant

Name: Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will
Author: Guy de Maupassant

Summary

“Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will”, published in 1885, is a work by Guy de Maupassant. It explores elements such as Du Roy, legacy and Vaudrec.

Quotes from Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (Guy de Maupassant)

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ One does not leave one's entire fortune to a woman unless--"
She trembled, and could scarcely take out the pins which fastened the transparent tissue. Then she stammered in an agitated manner: "You are mad--you are--you are--you did not think--he would leave you anything!"
Georges replied, emphazing each word: "Yes, he could have left me something; me, your husband, his friend; but not you, my wife and his friend. The distinction is material in the eyes of the world."
Madeleine gazed at him fixedly: "It seems to me that the world would have considered a legacy from him to you very strange." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ From the moment that I accept a portion of the inheritance it will be evident that there is nothing wrong. I can say: 'My wife accepts it because I, her husband, accept'--I, who am the best judge of what she can do without compromising herself."
Madeleine simply murmured: "As you wish."
He continued: "Yes, it will be as clear as day if that is done. We inherit a fortune from a friend who wished to make no distinction between us, thereby showing that his liking for you was purely Platonic. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ I may add that M. de Vaudrec's nephew, who was informed this morning of his uncle's last wishes, expresses himself as ready to respect them if he be given one hundred thousand francs. In my opinion the will cannot be broken, but a lawsuit would cause a sensation which you would probably like to avoid. The world often judges uncharitably. Can you let me have your reply before Saturday?"
Georges bowed, and together with his wife left the office. When they arrived home, Du Roy closed the door and throwing his hat on the bed, asked: "What were the relations between you and Vaudrec?" ”

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Source: Wikisource

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ She said: "I do not see how that can be done, since there is a formal will."
He replied: "Oh, that is very simple. We have no children; you can therefore deed me part of the inheritance. In that way we can silence malignant tongues."
She answered somewhat impatiently: "I do not see how we can silence malignant tongues since the will is there, signed by Vaudrec."
He said angrily: "Do you need to exhibit it, or affix it to the door? You are absurd! We will say that the fortune was left us jointly by Count de Vaudrec. That is all. You cannot, moreover, accept the legacy without my authority ”

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Source: Wikisource

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ Georges and Madeleine returned home late. The gas was extinguished, and in order to light the way the journalist from time to time struck a match. On reaching the landing on the first floor they saw their reflections in the mirror. Du Roy raised his hand with the lighted match in it, in order to distinguish their images more clearly, and said, with a triumphant smile:
"The millionaires are passing by." ”

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Source: Wikisource

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ Georges could not help muttering: "I suspected that."
The notary continued: "I shall read you the document which is very brief."
"'I, the undersigned, Paul Emile Cyprien Gontran, Count de Vaudrec, sound both in body and mind, here express my last wishes. As death might take me away at any moment, I wish to take the precaution of drawing up my will, to be deposited with M. Lamaneur.'"
"'Having no direct heirs, I bequeath all my fortune, comprising stocks and bonds for six hundred thousand francs and landed property for five hundred thousand, to Mme. Claire Madeleine du Roy unconditionally. ”

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Source: Wikisource

Guy de Maupassant, Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (1885)

“ The pedestrians seemed in haste and walked along rapidly.
Du Roy led his wife to the shop into the windows of which he had so often gazed at the coveted chronometer.
"Shall I buy you some trinket?" he asked. ”

Guy de Maupassant

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Quotes from Bel Ami — Chapter XIVThe Will (Guy de Maupassant)

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