THE OTHER DUTY

I did not read without emotion the story of the scene which took place in the office of the examining magistrate between the pearl thief driver and his wife. She deplored, in very touching terms, the act committed by her husband, until this day a perfectly honest man, but whom too violent a temptation assailed when an imprudent landlady entrusted him with this bag full of objects. valuable by emphasizing their value. I wonder if, when she spoke thus, she measured her words and if she really thought of arousing the mistrust of her guardian, of warning him! Yes, no doubt, but perhaps also that The wealthy American obeyed a feeling of pride and that she was not otherwise sorry to show off her treasures.

The fortunate senses readily give in to envy, to the need to "impress" others, especially the humble, those whom they judge should be easily impressed by the enumeration or the spectacle of the goods of this world.

I knew a sumptuous person who, on returning from a party, would never have failed to call her maid so that she could look at and admire Madame's marvelous jewels.

Another person of my relations, who belongs to the upper middle class, condescends every day to converse with. her concierge and tells her of the constant prosperity of a life full of happiness, the successes achieved by a son in high school, or by a husband “in business”. And that, naively, who knows! but in any case tirelessly!.…

I have once or twice witnessed these dangerously expansive conversations, after which the mistress would walk away, relieved, fulfilled, serene, tasting much better, her glorious joy, and without wondering if she had not sown sadness or revolt in the heart of her who listened to her.

I know. although other rich people have more tact, restraint; but most of them, alas! who occasionally show themselves to be benevolent and charitable when they are in the presence of humble people or servants, do not watch enough their gestures, their words, and, fulfilling the first duty of wealthy people, which consists in distributing a portion of their wealth, neglect this other duty, the most important: that which consists in doing everything in the world to spare those around them the envy, the resentment from which germinate all evil temptations!