M.Perritaut had become rich, and yet his riches could not remove a particle of the maternal complexion from those who were to inherit the name and wealth of the old trader.

If they should marry other half-breeds, the line of dusky Perritauts might stretch out the memory of a savage maternity to the crack of doom.

_Que voulez-vous ?_ They must not many half-breeds.

Each generation must make advancement toward a Caucasian whiteness, in a geometric ratio, until the Indian element should be reduced by an infinite progression toward nothing.

But how?
It did not take long for Perritaut _pere_ to settle that question.
_Voila tout._ The young men should seek white wives.