The tenderness, the devotedness of his mother had instilled into him an egotism that was ferocious. He fancied he loved those who pitied and caressed him; but, in reality, he lived apart, within himself, loving naught but his comfort, seeking by all possible means to increase his enjoyment.
Les tendresses, les dévouements de sa mère lui avaient donné un égoïsme féroce; il croyait aimer ceux qui le plaignaient et qui le caressaient; mais, en réalité, il vivait à part, au fond de lui, n'aimant que son bien-être, cherchant par tous les moyens possibles à augmenter ses jouissances.