"See: misfortune has turned my hair grey and my eyes have shed so many tears that there are dark rings round them; and my forehead is furrowed. But you, Edmond, you are still young, still handsome and still proud. You did have faith, you had strength, you trusted in God, and God sustained you. I was a coward, I denied Him, so God abandoned me; and here I am!" (112.105)
In invoking the concept of "faith," Mercédès suggests that there is an element of choice, of will. If she had had faith, things could have been different – she was not fated to end up the way she did.
Quote 2
"I know you, Albert. Whatever path you follow, you will soon make this name illustrious in it. So, my friend, come back in the world, made still more brilliant by your past misfortunes; and if that is not to be, despite all my expectations, at least leave me that hope." (91.45)
Having already weathered a huge change in circumstances – two if you count her rise to wealth – Mercédès is certain that her son can adapt to his new reality, and there's nothing to suggest that he can't. If there's anything we, as readers, can expect, it's instability, the chance for change.