From the tittle of the story, “Regret”, the reader is aware that there must be something in the story that deals with …show more content…
Then suddenly the the children’s unconditional love and warmness bring out her maternal instinct. “Ti Nomme's sticky fingers compelled her to unearth white aprons that she had not worn for years, and she had to accustom herself to his moist kisses-the expressions of an affectionate and exuberant nature.” She tries to confront the children and bring them ease, “She got down her sewing -basket, which she seldom used, from the top shelf of the armoire, and placed it within the ready and easy reach which torn slips and button less waists demanded (Chopin).” Even her demeanor changes, “It took her some days to become accustomed to the laughing, the crying, and the chattering that echoed through the house and around it all day long (Chopin).” In the two weeks that the children have been there, they have opened up her heart, “But at the end of two weeks Mamzelle Aurélie had grown quite used to these things, and she no longer complained.” When her neighbor, Odile, arrives to pick up her children, Mamzelle becomes very upset. In that moment Mamzelle Aurélie realizes the real value in her life. She became attached to the children that their departure shocks her. She feels as if her life has become emptier than before, “She let her head fall down upon her bended arm, and began to cry. Oh, but she cried! (Chopin).” She abandons herself to tears, but her manlike character is still evident: “Not