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diff --git a/1641-h/1641-h.htm b/1641-h/1641-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c1c4fe4 --- /dev/null +++ b/1641-h/1641-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,23541 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Lesser Bourgeoisie (The Middle Classes), by Honore de Balzac + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lesser Bourgeoisie, by Honore de Balzac + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Lesser Bourgeoisie + +Author: Honore de Balzac + +Translator: Katharine Prescott Wormeley + +Release Date: February 27, 2010 [EBook #1641] +Last Updated: November 22, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LESSER BOURGEOISIE *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers, Dagny, and Bonnie Sala, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE LESSER BOURGEOISIE<br />(The Middle Classes) + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Honore De Balzac + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DEDICATION + + To Constance-Victoire. + + Here, madame, is one of those books which come into the mind, + whence no one knows, giving pleasure to the author before he can + foresee what reception the public, our great present judge, will + accord to it. Feeling almost certain of your sympathy in my + pleasure, I dedicate the book to you. Ought it not to belong to + you as the tithe formerly belonged to the Church in memory of God, + who makes all things bud and fruit in the fields and in the + intellect? + + A few lumps of clay, left by Moliere at the feet of his colossal + statue of Tartuffe, have here been kneaded by a hand more daring + than able; but, at whatever distance I may be from the greatest of + comic writers, I shall still be glad to have used these crumbs in + showing the modern Hypocrite in action. The chief encouragement + that I have had in this difficult undertaking was in finding it + apart from all religious questions,—questions which ought to be + kept out of it for the sake of one so pious as yourself; and also + because of what a great writer has lately called our present + “indifference in matters of religion.” + + May the double signification of your names be for my book a + prophecy! Deign to find here the respectful gratitude of him who + ventures to call himself the most devoted of your servants. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + De Balzac. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>THE LESSER BOURGEOISIE</b> </a><br /><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_PART1"> <b>PART I.</b> </a> <b>THE LESSER + BOURGEOIS OF PARIS</b> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. + </a> DEPARTING PARIS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> + CHAPTER II. </a> THE HISTORY OF A TYRANNY <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> COLLEVILLE <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE CIRCLE OF + MONSIEUR AND MADAME THUILLIER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V. </a> A PRINCIPAL PERSONAGE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> A KEYNOTE <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> THE WORTHY + PHELLIONS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> AD + MAJOREM THEODOSIS GLORIAM <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER + IX. </a> THE BANKER OF THE POOR <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> HOW BRIGITTE WAS WON + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> THE + REIGN OF THEODOSE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> DEVILS + AGAINST DEVILS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> THE + PERVERSITY OF DOVES <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. + </a> ONE OF CERIZET’S FEMALE CLIENTS <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> DU + PORTAIL <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> IN + WHICH THE LAMB DEVOURS THE WOLF <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0018"> + CHAPTER XVIII. </a> SET A SAINT TO CATCH A SAINT <br /><br /> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PART2"> <b>PART II.</b> </a> <b>THE + PARVENUS</b> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER I. </a> PHELLION, + UNDER A NEW ASPECT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER II. </a> THE + PROVENCAL’S PRESENT POSITION <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER + III. </a> GOOD BLOOD CANNOT LIE <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER IV. </a> HUNGARY VERSUS + PROVENCE <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER V. </a> SHOWING + HOW NEAR THE TARPEIAN ROCK IS TO THE CAPITOL <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER VI. </a> 'TWAS THUS THEY BADE + ADIEU <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER VII. </a> HOW + TO SHUT THE DOOR IN PEOPLE’S FACES <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0026"> + CHAPTER VIII. </a> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER IX. </a> GIVE AND TAKE <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER X. </a> IN WHICH CERIZET + PRACTISES THE HEALING ART AND <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0029"> + CHAPTER XI. </a> EXPLANATIONS AND WHAT CAME OF THEM <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XII. </a> A STAR <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> THE + MAN WHO THINKS THE STAR TOO BRIGHT <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0032"> + CHAPTER XIV. </a> A STORMY DAY <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XV. </a> AT DU PORTAIL’S <br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> CHECKMATE TO + THUILLIER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> IN + THE EXERCISE OF HIS FUNCTIONS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> + ADDENDUM </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE LESSER BOURGEOISIE + </h1> + <h3> + (The Middle Classes) + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART1" id="link2H_PART1"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART I. THE LESSER BOURGEOIS OF PARIS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. DEPARTING PARIS + </h2> + <p> + The tourniquet Saint-Jean, the narrow passage entered through a turnstile, + a description of which was said to be so wearisome in the study entitled + “A Double Life” (Scenes from Private Life), that naive relic of old Paris, + has at the present moment no existence except in our said typography. The + building of the Hotel-de-Ville, such as we now see it, swept away a whole + section of the city. + </p> + <p> + In 1830, passers along the street could still see the turnstile painted on + the sign of a wine-merchant, but even that house, its last asylum, has + been demolished. Alas! old Paris is disappearing with frightful rapidity. + Here and there, in the course of this history of Parisian life, will be + found preserved, sometimes the type of the dwellings of the middle ages, + like that described in “Fame and Sorrow” (Scenes from Private Life), one + or two specimens of which exist to the present day; sometimes a house like + that of Judge Popinot, rue du Fouarre, a specimen of the former + bourgeoisie; here, the remains of Fulbert’s house; there, the old dock of + the Seine as it was under Charles IX. Why should not the historian of + French society, a new Old Mortality, endeavor to save these curious + expressions of the past, as Walter Scott’s old man rubbed up the + tombstones? Certainly, for the last ten years the outcries of literature + in this direction have not been superfluous; art is beginning to disguise + beneath its floriated ornaments those ignoble facades of what are called + in Paris “houses of product,” which one of our poets has jocosely compared + to chests of drawers. + </p> + <p> + Let us remark here, that the creation of the municipal commission “del + ornamento” which superintends at Milan the architecture of street facades, + and to which every house owner is compelled to subject his plan, dates + from the seventeenth century. Consequently, we see in that charming + capital the effects of this public spirit on the part of nobles and + burghers, while we admire their buildings so full of character and + originality. Hideous, unrestrained speculation which, year after year, + changes the uniform level of storeys, compresses a whole apartment into + the space of what used to be a salon, and wages war upon gardens, will + infallibly react on Parisian manners and morals. We shall soon be forced + to live more without than within. Our sacred private life, the freedom and + liberty of home, where will they be?—reserved for those who can + muster fifty thousand francs a year! In fact, few millionaires now allow + themselves the luxury of a house to themselves, guarded by a courtyard on + a street and protected from public curiosity by a shady garden at the + back. + </p> + <p> + By levelling fortunes, that section of the Code which regulates + testamentary bequests, has produced these huge stone phalansteries, in + which thirty families are often lodged, returning a rental of a hundred + thousand francs a year. Fifty years hence we shall be able to count on our + fingers the few remaining houses which resemble that occupied, at the + moment our narrative begins, by the Thuillier family,—a really + curious house which deserves the honor of an exact description, if only to + compare the life of the bourgeoisie of former times with that of to-day. + </p> + <p> + The situation and the aspect of this house, the frame of our present Scene + of manners and morals, has, moreover, a flavor, a perfume of the lesser + bourgeoisie, which may attract or repel attention according to the taste + of each reader. + </p> + <p> + In the first place, the Thuillier house did not belong to either Monsieur + or Madame Thuillier, but to Mademoiselle Thuillier, the sister of Monsieur + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + This house, bought during the first six months which followed the + revolution of July by Mademoiselle Marie-Jeanne-Brigitte Thuillier, a + spinster of full age, stands about the middle of the rue Saint-Dominique + d’Enfer, to the right as you enter by the rue d’Enfer, so that the main + building occupied by Monsieur Thuillier faces south. + </p> + <p> + The progressive movement which is carrying the Parisian population to the + heights along the right bank of the Seine had long injured the sale of + property in what is called the “Latin quarter,” when reasons, which will + be given when we come to treat of the character and habits of Monsieur + Thuillier, determined his sister to the purchase of real estate. She + obtained this property for the small sum of forty-six thousand francs; + certain extras amounted to six thousand more; in all, the price paid was + fifty-two thousand francs. A description of the property given in the + style of an advertisement, and the results obtained by Monsieur + Thuillier’s exertions, will explain by what means so many fortunes + increased enormously after July, 1830, while so many others sank. + </p> + <p> + Toward the street the house presents a facade of rough stone covered with + plaster, cracked by weather and lined by the mason’s instrument into a + semblance of blocks of cut stone. This frontage is so common in Paris and + so ugly that the city ought to offer premiums to house-owners who would + build their facades of cut-stone blocks. Seven windows lighted the gray + front of this house which was raised three storeys, ending in a mansard + roof covered with slate. The porte-cochere, heavy and solid, showed by its + workmanship and style that the front building on the street had been + erected in the days of the Empire, to utilize a part of the courtyard of + the vast old mansion, built at an epoch when the quarter d’Enfer enjoyed a + certain vogue. + </p> + <p> + On one side was the porter’s lodge; on the other the staircase of the + front building. Two wings, built against the adjoining houses, had + formerly served as stables, coach-house, kitchen and offices to the rear + dwelling; but since 1830, they had been converted into warerooms. The one + on the right was let to a certain M. Metivier, jr., wholesale dealer in + paper; that on the left to a bookseller named Barbet. The offices of each + were above the warerooms; the bookseller occupying the first storey, and + the paper-dealer the second storey of the house on the street. Metivier, + jr., who was more of a commission merchant in paper than a regular dealer, + and Barbet, much more of a money lender and discounter than a bookseller, + kept these vast warerooms for the purpose of storing,—one, his + stacks of paper, bought of needy manufacturers, the other, editions of + books given as security for loans. + </p> + <p> + The shark of bookselling and the pike of paper-dealing lived on the best + of terms, and their mutual operations, exempt from the turmoil of retail + business, brought so few carriages into that tranquil courtyard that the + concierge was obliged to pull up the grass between the paving stones. + Messrs. Barbet and Metivier paid a few rare visits to their landlords, and + the punctuality with which they paid their rent classed them as good + tenants; in fact, they were looked upon as very honest men by the + Thuillier circle. + </p> + <p> + As for the third floor on the street, it was made into two apartments; one + of which was occupied by M. Dutocq, clerk of the justice of peace, a + retired government employee, and a frequenter of the Thuillier salon; the + other by the hero of this Scene, about whom we must content ourselves at + the present moment by fixing the amount of his rent,—namely, seven + hundred francs a year,—and the location he had chosen in the heart + of this well-filled building, exactly three years before the curtain rises + on the present domestic drama. + </p> + <p> + The clerk, a bachelor of fifty, occupied the larger of the two apartments + on the third floor. He kept a cook, and the rent of the rooms was a + thousand francs a year. Within two years of the time of her purchase, + Mademoiselle Thuillier was receiving seven thousand two hundred francs in + rentals, for a house which the late proprietor had supplied with outside + blinds, renovated within, and adorned with mirrors, without being able to + sell or let it. Moreover, the Thuilliers themselves, nobly lodged, as we + shall see, enjoyed also a fine garden,—one of the finest in that + quarter,—the trees of which shaded the lonely little street named + the rue Neuve-Saint-Catherine. + </p> + <p> + Standing between the courtyard and the garden, the main building, which + they inhabited, seems to have been the caprice of some enriched bourgeois + in the reign of Louis XIV.; the dwelling, perhaps, of a president of the + parliament, or that of a tranquil savant. Its noble free-stone blocks, + damaged by time, have a certain air of Louis-the-Fourteenth grandeur; the + courses of the facade define the storeys; panels of red brick recall the + appearance of the stables at Versailles; the windows have masks carved as + ornaments in the centre of their arches and below their sills. The door, + of small panels in the upper half and plain below, through which, when + open, the garden can be seen, is of that honest, unassuming style which + was often employed in former days for the porter’s lodges of the royal + chateaux. + </p> + <p> + This building, with five windows to each course, rises two storeys above + the ground-floor, and is particularly noticeable for a roof of four sides + ending in a weather-vane, and broken here and there by tall, handsome + chimneys, and oval windows. Perhaps this structure is the remains of some + great mansion; but after examining all the existing old maps of Paris, we + find nothing which bears out this conjecture. Moreover, the title-deeds of + property under Louis XIV. was Petitot, the celebrated painter in + miniature, who obtained it originally from President Lecamus. We may + therefore believe that Lecamus lived in this building while he was + erecting his more famous mansion in the rue de Thorigny. + </p> + <p> + So Art and the legal robe have passed this way in turn. How many + instigations of needs and pleasures have led to the interior arrangement + of the dwelling! To right, as we enter a square hall forming a closed + vestibule, rises a stone staircase with two windows looking on the garden. + Beneath the staircase opens a door to the cellar. From this vestibule we + enter the dining-room, lighted from the courtyard, and the dining-room + communicates at its side with the kitchen, which forms a continuation of + the wing in which are the warerooms of Metivier and Barbet. Behind the + staircase extends, on the garden side, a fine study or office with two + large windows. The first and second floor form two complete apartments, + and the servants’ quarters are shown by the oval windows in the four-sided + roof. + </p> + <p> + A large porcelain stove heats the square vestibule, the two glass doors of + which, placed opposite to each other, light it. This room, paved in black + and white marble, is especially noticeable for a ceiling of beams formerly + painted and gilt, but which had since received, probably under the Empire, + a coat of plain white paint. The three doors of the study, salon and + dining-room, surmounted by oval panels, are awaiting a restoration that is + more than needed. The wood-work is heavy, but the ornamentation is not + without merit. The salon, panelled throughout, recalls the great century + by its tall mantelpiece of Languedoc marble, its ceiling decorated at the + corners, and by the style of its windows, which still retain their little + panes. The dining-room, communicating with the salon by a double door, is + floored with stone; the wood-work is oak, unpainted, and an atrocious + modern wall-paper has been substituted for the tapestries of the olden + time. The ceiling is of chestnut; and the study, modernized by Thuillier, + adds its quota to these discordances. + </p> + <p> + The white and gold mouldings of the salon are so effaced that nothing + remains of the gilding but reddish lines, while the white enamelling is + yellow, cracked, and peeling off. Never did the Latin saying “Otium cum + dignitate” have a greater commentary to the mind of a poet than in this + noble building. The iron-work of the staircase baluster is worthy of the + artist and the magistrate; but to find other traces of their taste to-day + in this majestic relic, the eyes of an artistic observer are needed. + </p> + <p> + The Thuilliers and their predecessors have frequently degraded this jewel + of the upper bourgeoisie by the habits and inventions of the lesser + bourgeoisie. Look at those walnut chairs covered with horse-hair, that + mahogany table with its oilcloth cover, that sideboard, also of mahogany, + that carpet, bought at a bargain, beneath the table, those metal lamps, + that wretched paper with its red border, those execrable engravings, and + the calico curtains with red fringes, in a dining-room, where the friends + of Petitot once feasted! Do you notice the effect produced in the salon by + those portraits of Monsieur and Madame and Mademoiselle Thuillier by + Pierre Grassou, the artist par excellence of the modern bourgeoisie. Have + you remarked the card-tables and the consoles of the Empire, the tea-table + supported by a lyre, and that species of sofa, of gnarled mahogany, + covered in painted velvet of a chocolate tone? On the chimney-piece, with + the clock (representing the Bellona of the Empire), are candelabra with + fluted columns. Curtains of woollen damask, with under-curtains of + embroidered muslin held back by stamped brass holders, drape the windows. + On the floor a cheap carpet. The handsome vestibule has wooden benches, + covered with velvet, and the panelled walls with their fine carvings are + mostly hidden by wardrobes, brought there from time to time from the + bedrooms occupied by the Thuilliers. Fear, that hideous divinity, has + caused the family to add sheet-iron doors on the garden side and on the + courtyard side, which are folded back against the walls in the daytime, + and are closed at night. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to explain the deplorable profanation practised on this + monument of the private life of the bourgeoisie of the seventeenth + century, by the private life of the bourgeoisie of the nineteenth. At the + beginning of the Consulate, let us say, some master-mason having bought + the ancient building, took the idea of turning to account the ground which + lay between it and the street. He probably pulled down the fine + porte-cochere or entrance gate, flanked by little lodges which guarded the + charming “sejour” (to use a word of the olden time), and proceeded, with + the industry of a Parisian proprietor, to impress his withering mark on + the elegance of the old building. What a curious study might be made of + the successive title-deeds of property in Paris! A private lunatic asylum + performs its functions in the rue des Batailles in the former dwelling of + the Chevalier Pierre Bayard du Terrail, once without fear and without + reproach; a street has now been built by the present bourgeois + administration through the site of the hotel Necker. Old Paris is + departing, following its kings who abandoned it. For one masterpiece of + architecture saved from destruction by a Polish princess (the hotel + Lambert, Ile Saint-Louis, bought and occupied by the Princess Czartoriska) + how many little palaces have fallen, like this dwelling of Petitot, into + the hands of such as Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + Here follows the causes which made Mademoiselle Thuillier the owner of the + house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE HISTORY OF A TYRANNY + </h2> + <p> + At the fall of the Villele ministry, Monsieur Louis-Jerome Thuillier, who + had then seen twenty-six years’ service as a clerk in the ministry of + finance, became sub-director of a department thereof; but scarcely had he + enjoyed the subaltern authority of a position formerly his lowest hope, + when the events of July, 1830, forced him to resign it. He calculated, + shrewdly enough, that his pension would be honorably and readily given by + the new-comers, glad to have another office at their disposal. He was + right; for a pension of seventeen hundred francs was paid to him + immediately. + </p> + <p> + When the prudent sub-director first talked of resigning, his sister, who + was far more the companion of his life than his wife, trembled for his + future. + </p> + <p> + “What will become of Thuillier?” was a question which Madame and + Mademoiselle Thuillier put to each other with mutual terror in their + little lodging on a third floor of the rue d’Argenteuil. + </p> + <p> + “Securing his pension will occupy him for a time,” Mademoiselle Thuillier + said one day; “but I am thinking of investing my savings in a way that + will cut out work for him. Yes; it will be something like administrating + the finances to manage a piece of property.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sister! you will save his life,” cried Madame Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “I have always looked for a crisis of this kind in Jerome’s life,” replied + the old maid, with a protecting air. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Thuillier had too often heard her brother remark: “Such a one + is dead; he only survived his retirement two years”; she had too often + heard Colleville, her brother’s intimate friend, a government employee + like himself, say, jesting on this climacteric of bureaucrats, “We shall + all come to it, ourselves,” not to appreciate the danger her brother was + running. The change from activity to leisure is, in truth, the critical + period for government employees of all kinds. + </p> + <p> + Those of them who know not how to substitute, or perhaps cannot substitute + other occupations for the work to which they have been accustomed, change + in a singular manner; some die outright; others take to fishing, the + vacancy of that amusement resembling that of their late employment under + government; others, who are smarter men, dabble in stocks, lose their + savings, and are thankful to obtain a place in some enterprise that is + likely to succeed, after a first disaster and liquidation, in the hands of + an abler management. The late clerk then rubs his hands, now empty, and + says to himself, “I always did foresee the success of the business.” But + nearly all these retired bureaucrats have to fight against their former + habits. + </p> + <p> + “Some,” Colleville used to say, “are victims to a sort of ‘spleen’ + peculiar to the government clerk; they die of a checked circulation; a + red-tapeworm is in their vitals. That little Poiret couldn’t see the + well-known white carton without changing color at the beloved sight; he + used to turn from green to yellow.” + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Thuillier was considered the moving spirit of her brother’s + household; she was not without decision and force of character, as the + following history will show. This superiority over those who immediately + surrounded her enabled her to judge her brother, although she adored him. + After witnessing the failure of the hopes she had set upon her idol, she + had too much real maternity in her feeling for him to let herself be + mistaken as to his social value. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier and his sister were children of the head porter at the ministry + of finance. Jerome had escaped, thanks to his near-sightedness, all drafts + and conscriptions. The father’s ambition was to make his son a government + clerk. At the beginning of this century the army presented too many posts + not to leave various vacancies in the government offices. A deficiency of + minor officials enabled old Pere Thuillier to hoist his son upon the + lowest step of the bureaucratic hierarchy. The old man died in 1814, + leaving Jerome on the point of becoming sub-director, but with no other + fortune than that prospect. The worthy Thuillier and his wife (who died in + 1810) had retired from active service in 1806, with a pension as their + only means of support; having spent what property they had in giving + Jerome the education required in these days, and in supporting both him + and his sister. + </p> + <p> + The influence of the Restoration on the bureaucracy is well known. From + the forty and one suppressed departments a crowd of honorable employees + returned to Paris with nothing to do, and clamorous for places inferior to + those they had lately occupied. To these acquired rights were added those + of exiled families ruined by the Revolution. Pressed between the two + floods, Jerome thought himself lucky not to have been dismissed under some + frivolous pretext. He trembled until the day when, becoming by mere chance + sub-director, he saw himself secure of a retiring pension. This cursory + view of matters will serve to explain Monsieur Thuillier’s very limited + scope and knowledge. He had learned the Latin, mathematics, history, and + geography that are taught in schools, but he never got beyond what is + called the second class; his father having preferred to take advantage of + a sudden opportunity to place him at the ministry. So, while the young + Thuillier was making his first records on the Grand-Livre, he ought to + have been studying his rhetoric and philosophy. + </p> + <p> + While grinding the ministerial machine, he had no leisure to cultivate + letters, still less the arts; but he acquired a routine knowledge of his + business, and when he had an opportunity to rise, under the Empire, to the + sphere of superior employees, he assumed a superficial air of competence + which concealed the son of a porter, though none of it rubbed into his + mind. His ignorance, however, taught him to keep silence, and silence + served him well. He accustomed himself to practise, under the imperial + regime, a passive obedience which pleased his superiors; and it was to + this quality that he owed at a later period his promotion to the rank of + sub-director. His routine habits then became great experience; his manners + and his silence concealed his lack of education, and his absolute nullity + was a recommendation, for a cipher was needed. The government was afraid + of displeasing both parties in the Chamber by selecting a man from either + side; it therefore got out of the difficulty by resorting to the rule of + seniority. That is how Thuillier became sub-director. Mademoiselle + Thuillier, knowing that her brother abhorred reading, and could substitute + no business for the bustle of a public office, had wisely resolved to + plunge him into the cares of property, into the culture of a garden, in + short, into all the infinitely petty concerns and neighborhood intrigues + which make up the life of the bourgeoisie. + </p> + <p> + The transplanting of the Thuillier household from the rue d’Argenteuil to + the rue Saint-Dominique d’Enfer, the business of making the purchase, of + finding a suitable porter, and then of obtaining tenants occupied + Thuillier from 1831 to 1832. When the phenomenon of the change was + accomplished, and the sister saw that Jerome had borne it fairly well, she + found him other cares and occupations (about which we shall hear later), + all based upon the character of the man himself, as to which it will now + be useful to give information. + </p> + <p> + Though the son of a ministerial porter, Thuillier was what is called a + fine man, slender in figure, above middle height, and possessing a face + that was rather agreeable if wearing his spectacles, but frightful without + them; which is frequently the case with near-sighted persons; for the + habit of looking through glasses has covered the pupils of his eyes with a + sort of film. + </p> + <p> + Between the ages of eighteen and thirty, young Thuillier had much success + among women, in a sphere which began with the lesser bourgeois and ended + in that of the heads of departments. Under the Empire, war left Parisian + society rather denuded of men of energy, who were mostly on the + battlefield; and perhaps, as a great physician has suggested, this may + account for the flabbiness of the generation which occupies the middle of + the nineteenth century. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier, forced to make himself noticeable by other charms than those of + mind, learned to dance and to waltz in a way to be cited; he was called + “that handsome Thuillier”; he played billiards to perfection; he knew how + to cut out likenesses in black paper, and his friend Colleville coached + him so well that he was able to sing all the ballads of the day. These + various small accomplishments resulted in that appearance of success which + deceives youth and befogs it about the future. Mademoiselle Thuillier, + from 1806 to 1814, believed in her brother as Mademoiselle d’Orleans + believed in Louis-Philippe. She was proud of Jerome; she expected to see + him the director-general of his department of the ministry, thanks to his + successes in certain salons, where, undoubtedly, he would never have been + admitted but for the circumstances which made society under the Empire a + medley. + </p> + <p> + But the successes of “that handsome Thuillier” were usually of short + duration; women did not care to keep his devotion any more than he desired + to make his devotion eternal. He was really an unwilling Don Juan; the + career of a “beau” wearied him to the point of aging him; his face, + covered with lines like that of an old coquette, looked a dozen years + older than the registers made him. There remained to him of all his + successes in gallantry, a habit of looking at himself in mirrors, of + buttoning his coat to define his waist, and of posing in various dancing + attitudes; all of which prolonged, beyond the period of enjoying his + advantages, the sort of lease that he held on his cognomen, “that handsome + Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + The truth of 1806 has, however, become a fable, in 1826. He retains a few + vestiges of the former costume of the beaux of the Empire, which are not + unbecoming to the dignity of a former sub-director. He still wears the + white cravat with innumerable folds, wherein his chin is buried, and the + coquettish bow, formerly tied by the hands of beauty, the two ends of + which threaten danger to the passers to right and left. He follows the + fashions of former days, adapting them to his present needs; he tips his + hat on the back of his head, and wears shoes and thread stockings in + summer; his long-tailed coats remind one of the well-known “surtouts” of + the Empire; he has not yet abandoned his frilled shirts and his white + waistcoats; he still plays with his Empire switch, and holds himself so + erect that his back bends in. No one, seeing Thuillier promenading on the + boulevards, would take him for the son of a man who cooked the breakfasts + of the clerks at a ministry and wore the livery of Louis XVI.; he + resembles an imperial diplomatist or a sub-prefect. Now, not only did + Mademoiselle Thuillier very innocently work upon her brother’s weak spot + by encouraging in him an excessive care of his person, which, in her, was + simply a continuation of her worship, but she also provided him with + family joys, by transplanting to their midst a household which had + hitherto been quasi-collateral to them. + </p> + <p> + It was that of Monsieur Colleville, an intimate friend of Thuillier. But + before we proceed to describe Pylades let us finish with Orestes, and + explain why Thuillier—that handsome Thuillier—was left without + a family of his own—for the family, be it said, is non-existent + without children. Herein appears one of those deep mysteries which lie + buried in the arena of private life, a few shreds of which rise to the + surface at moments when the pain of a concealed situation grows poignant. + This concerns the life of Madame and Mademoiselle Thuillier; so far, we + have seen only the life (and we may call it the public life) of Jerome + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + Marie-Jeanne-Brigitte Thuillier, four years older than her brother, had + been utterly sacrificed to him; it was easier to give a career to one than + a “dot” to the other. Misfortune to some natures is a pharos, which + illumines to their eyes the dark low corners of social existence. Superior + to her brother both in mind and energy, Brigitte had one of those natures + which, under the hammer of persecution, gather themselves together, become + compact and powerfully resistant, not to say inflexible. Jealous of her + independence, she kept aloof from the life of the household; choosing to + make herself the sole arbiter of her own fate. At fourteen years of age, + she went to live alone in a garret, not far from the ministry of finance, + which was then in the rue Vivienne, and also not far from the Bank of + France, then, and now, in the rue de la Vrilliere. There she bravely gave + herself up to a form of industry little known and the perquisite of a few + persons, which she obtained, thanks to the patrons of her father. It + consisted in making bags to hold coin for the Bank, the Treasury, and the + great financial houses. At the end of three years she employed two + workwomen. By investing her savings on the Grand-Livre, she found herself, + in 1814, the mistress of three thousand six hundred francs a year, earned + in fifteen years. As she spent little, and dined with her father as long + as he lived, and, as government securities were very low during the last + convulsions of the Empire, this result, which seems at first sight + exaggerated, explains itself. + </p> + <p> + On the death of their father, Brigitte and Jerome, the former being + twenty-seven, the latter twenty-three, united their existence. Brother and + sister were bound together by an extreme affection. If Jerome, then at the + height of his success, was pinched for money, his sister, clothed in + serge, and her fingers roughened by the coarse thread with which she sewed + her bags, would give him a few louis. In Brigitte’s eyes Jerome was the + handsomest and most charming man in the whole French Empire. To keep house + for this cherished brother, to be initiated into the secrets of Lindor and + Don Juan, to be his handmaiden, his spaniel, was Brigitte’s dream. She + immolated herself lovingly to an idol whose selfishness, always great, was + enormously increased by her self-sacrifice. She sold her business to her + fore-woman for fifteen thousand francs and came to live with Thuillier in + the rue d’Argenteuil, where she made herself the mother, protectress, and + servant of this spoiled child of women. Brigitte, with the natural caution + of a girl who owed everything to her own discretion and her own labor, + concealed the amount of her savings from Jerome,—fearing, no doubt, + the extravagance of a man of gallantry. She merely paid a quota of six + hundred francs a year to the expenses of the household, and this, with her + brother’s eighteen hundred, enabled her to make both ends meet at the end + of the year. + </p> + <p> + From the first days of their coming together, Thuillier listened to his + sister as to an oracle; he consulted her in his trifling affairs, kept + none of his secrets from her, and thus made her taste the fruit of + despotism which was, in truth, the one little sin of her nature. But the + sister had sacrificed everything to the brother; she had staked her all + upon his heart; she lived by him only. Brigitte’s ascendancy over Jerome + was singularly proved by the marriage which she procured for him about the + year 1814. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the tendency to enforced reduction which the new-comers to power + under the Restoration were beginning to bring about in the government + offices, and particularly since the return of the old society which sought + to ride over the bourgeoisie, Brigitte understood, far better than her + brother could explain it to her, the social crisis which presently + extinguished their common hopes. No more successes for that handsome + Thuillier in the salons of the nobles who now succeeded the plebeians of + the Empire! + </p> + <p> + Thuillier was not enough of a person to take up a politic opinion and + choose a party; he felt, as his sister did for him, the necessity of + profiting by the remains of his youth to make a settlement. In such a + situation, a sister as jealous of her power as Brigitte naturally would, + and ought, to marry her brother, to suit herself as well as to suit him; + for she alone could make him really happy, Madame Thuillier being only an + indispensable accessory to the obtaining of two or three children. If + Brigitte did not have an intellect quite the equal of her will, at least + she had the instinct of her despotism; without, it is true, education, she + marched straight before her, with the headstrong determination of a nature + accustomed to succeed. She had the genius of housekeeping, a faculty for + economy, a thorough understanding of how to live, and a love for work. She + saw plainly that she could never succeed in marrying Jerome into a sphere + above their own, where parents might inquire into their domestic life and + feel uneasy at finding a mistress already reigning in the home. She + therefore sought in a lower grade for persons to dazzle, and found, almost + beside her, a suitable match. + </p> + <p> + The oldest usher at the Bank, a man named Lemprun, had an only daughter, + called Celeste. Mademoiselle Celeste Lemprun would inherit the fortune of + her mother, the only daughter of a rich farmer. This fortune consisted of + some acres of land in the environs of Paris, which the old father still + worked; besides this, she would have the property of Lemprun himself, a + man who had left the firms of Thelusson and of Keller to enter the service + of the Bank of France. Lemprun, now the head of that service, enjoyed the + respect and consideration of the governors and auditors. + </p> + <p> + The Bank council, on hearing of the probable marriage of Celeste to an + honorable employee at the ministry of finance, promised a wedding present + of six thousand francs. This gift, added to twelve thousand given by Pere + Lemprun, and twelve thousand more from the maternal grandfather, Sieur + Galard, market-gardener at Auteuil, brought up the dowry to thirty + thousand francs. Old Galard and Monsieur and Madame Lemprun were delighted + with the marriage. Lemprun himself knew Mademoiselle Thuillier, and + considered her one of the worthiest and most conscientious women in Paris. + Brigitte then, for the first time, allowed her investments on the + Grand-Livre to shine forth, assuring Lemprun that she should never marry; + consequently, neither he nor his wife, persons devoted to the main chance, + would ever allow themselves to find fault with Brigitte. Above all, they + were greatly struck by the splendid prospects of the handsome Thuillier, + and the marriage took place, as the conventional saying is, to the general + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + The governor of the Bank and the secretary were the bride’s witnesses; + Monsieur de la Billardiere, director of Thuillier’s department, and + Monsieur Rabourdin, head of the office, being those of the groom. Six days + after the marriage old Lemprun was the victim of a daring robbery which + made a great noise in the newspapers of the day, though it was quickly + forgotten during the events of 1815. The guilty parties having escaped + detection, Lemprun wished to make up the loss; but the Bank agreed to + carry the deficit to its profit and loss account; nevertheless, the poor + old man actually died of the grief this affair had caused him. He regarded + it as an attack upon his aged honor. + </p> + <p> + Madame Lemprun then resigned all her property to her daughter, Madame + Thuillier, and went to live with her father at Auteuil until he died from + an accident in 1817. Alarmed at the prospect of having to manage or lease + the market-garden and the farm of her father, Madame Lemprun entreated + Brigitte, whose honesty and capacity astonished her, to wind up old + Galard’s affairs, and to settle the property in such a way that her + daughter should take possession of everything, securing to her mother + fifteen hundred francs a year and the house at Auteuil. The landed + property of the old farmer was sold in lots, and brought in thirty + thousand francs. Lemprun’s estate had given as much more, so that Madame + Thuillier’s fortune, including her “dot,” amounted in 1818 to ninety + thousand francs. Joining the revenue of this property to that of the + brother and sister, the Thuillier household had an income, in 1818, + amounting to eleven thousand francs, managed by Brigitte alone on her sole + responsibility. It is necessary to begin by stating this financial + position, not only to prevent objections but to rid the drama of + difficulties. + </p> + <p> + Brigitte began, from the first, by allowing her brother five hundred + francs a month, and by sailing the household boat at the rate of five + thousand francs a year. She granted to her sister-in-law fifty francs a + month, explaining to her carefully that she herself was satisfied with + forty. To strengthen her despotism by the power of money, Brigitte laid by + the surplus of her own funds. She made, so it was said in business + offices, usurious loans by means of her brother, who appeared as a + money-lender. If, between the years 1813 and 1830, Brigitte had + capitalized sixty thousand francs, that sum can be explained by the rise + in the Funds, and there is no need to have recourse to accusations more or + less well founded, which have nothing to do with our present history. + </p> + <p> + From the first days of the marriage, Brigitte subdued the unfortunate + Madame Thuillier with a touch of the spur and a jerk of the bit, both of + which she made her feel severely. A further display of tyranny was + useless; the victim resigned herself at once. Celeste, thoroughly + understood by Brigitte, a girl without mind or education, accustomed to a + sedentary life and a tranquil atmosphere, was extremely gentle by nature; + she was pious in the fullest acceptation of the word; she would willingly + have expiated by the hardest punishments the involuntary wrong of giving + pain to her neighbor. She was utterly ignorant of life; accustomed to be + waited on by her mother, who did the whole service of the house, for + Celeste was unable to make much exertion, owing to a lymphatic + constitution which the least toil wearied. She was truly a daughter of the + people of Paris, where children, seldom handsome, and of no vigor, the + product of poverty and toil, of homes without fresh air, without freedom + of action, without any of the conveniences of life, meet us at every turn. + </p> + <p> + At the time of the marriage, Celeste was seen to be a little woman, fair + and faded almost to sickliness, fat, slow, and silly in the countenance. + Her forehead, much too large and too prominent, suggested water on the + brain, and beneath that waxen cupola her face, noticeably too small and + ending in a point like the nose of a mouse, made some people fear she + would become, sooner or later, imbecile. Her eyes, which were light blue, + and her lips, always fixed in a smile, did not contradict that idea. On + the solemn occasion of her marriage she had the manner, air, and attitude + of a person condemned to death, whose only desire is that it might all be + over speedily. + </p> + <p> + “She is rather round,” said Colleville to Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + Brigitte was just the knife to cut into such a nature, to which her own + formed the strongest contrast. Mademoiselle Thuillier was remarkable for + her regular and correct beauty, but a beauty injured by toil which, from + her very childhood, had bent her down to painful, thankless tasks, and by + the secret privations she imposed upon herself in order to amass her + little property. Her complexion, early discolored, had something the tint + of steel. Her brown eyes were framed in brown; on the upper lip was a + brown floss like a sort of smoke. Her lips were thin, and her imperious + forehead was surmounted by hair once black, now turning to chinchilla. She + held herself as straight as the fairest beauty; but all things else about + her showed the hardiness of her life, the deadening of her natural fire, + the cost of what she was! + </p> + <p> + To Brigitte, Celeste was simply a fortune to lay hold of, a future mother + to rule, one more subject in her empire. She soon reproached her for being + <i>weak</i>, a constant word in her vocabulary, and the jealous old maid, + who would strongly have resented any signs of activity in her + sister-in-law, now took a savage pleasure in prodding the languid + inertness of the feeble creature. Celeste, ashamed to see her + sister-in-law displaying such energy in household work, endeavored to help + her, and fell ill in consequence. Instantly, Brigitte was devoted to her, + nursed her like a beloved sister, and would say, in presence of Thuillier: + “You haven’t any strength, my child; you must never do anything again.” + She showed up Celeste’s incapacity by that display of sympathy with which + strength, seeming to pity weakness, finds means to boast of its own + powers. + </p> + <p> + But, as all despotic natures liking to exercise their strength are full of + tenderness for physical sufferings, Brigitte took such real care of her + sister-in-law as to satisfy Celeste’s mother when she came to see her + daughter. After Madame Thuillier recovered, however, she called her, in + Celeste’s hearing, “a helpless creature, good for nothing!” which sent the + poor thing crying to her room. When Thuillier found her there, drying her + eyes, he excused her sister, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “She is an excellent woman, but rather hasty; she loves you in her own + way; she behaves just so with me.” + </p> + <p> + Celeste, remembering the maternal care of her sister-in-law during her + illness, forgave the wound. Brigitte always treated her brother as the + king of the family; she exalted him to Celeste, and made him out an + autocrat, a Ladislas, an infallible pope. Madame Thuillier having lost her + father and grandfather, and being well-nigh deserted by her mother, who + came to see her on Thursdays only (she herself spending Sundays at Auteuil + in summer), had no one left to love except her husband, and she did love + him,—in the first place, because he was her husband, and secondly, + because he still remained to her “that handsome Thuillier.” Besides, he + sometimes treated her like a wife, and all these reasons together made her + adore him. He seemed to her all the more perfect because he often took up + her defence and scolded his sister, not from any real interest in his + wife, but for pure selfishness, and in order to have peace in the + household during the very few moments that he stayed there. + </p> + <p> + In fact, that handsome Thuillier was never at home except at dinner, after + which meal he went out, returning very late at night. He went to balls and + other social festivities by himself, precisely as if he were still a + bachelor. Thus the two women were always alone together. Celeste + insensibly fell into a passive attitude, and became what Brigitte wanted + her,—a helot. The Queen Elizabeth of the household then passed from + despotism to a sort of pity for the poor victim who was always sacrificed. + She ended by softening her haughty ways, her cutting speech, her + contemptuous tones, as soon as she was certain that her sister-in-law was + completely under the yoke. When she saw the wounds it made on the neck of + her victim, she took care of her as a thing of her own, and Celeste + entered upon happier days. Comparing the end with the beginning, she even + felt a sort of love for her torturer. To gain some power of self-defence, + to become something less a cipher in the household, supported, unknown to + herself, by her own means, the poor helot had but a single chance, and + that chance never came to her. + </p> + <p> + Celeste had no child. This barrenness, which, from month to month, brought + floods of tears from her eyes, was long the cause of Brigitte’s scorn; she + reproached the poor woman bitterly for being fit for nothing, not even to + bear children. The old maid, who had longed to love her brother’s child as + if it were her own, was unable, for years, to reconcile herself to this + irremediable sterility. + </p> + <p> + At the time when our history begins, namely, in 1840, Celeste, then + forty-six years old, had ceased to weep; she now had the certainty of + never being a mother. And here is a strange thing. After twenty-five years + of this life, in which victory had ended by first dulling and then + breaking its own knife, Brigitte loved Celeste as much as Celeste loved + Brigitte. Time, ease, and the perpetual rubbing of domestic life, had worn + off the angles and smoothed the asperities; Celeste’s resignation and + lamb-like gentleness had brought, at last, a serene and peaceful autumn. + The two women were still further united by the one sentiment that lay + within them, namely, their adoration for the lucky and selfish Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, these two women, both childless, had each, like all women who + have vainly desired children, fallen in love with a child. This fictitious + motherhood, equal in strength to a real motherhood, needs an explanation + which will carry us to the very heart of our drama, and will show the + reason of the new occupation which Mademoiselle Thuillier provided for her + brother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. COLLEVILLE + </h2> + <p> + Thuillier had entered the ministry of finance as supernumerary at the same + time as Colleville, who has been mentioned already as his intimate friend. + In opposition to the well-regulated, gloomy household of Thuillier, social + nature had provided that of Colleville; and if it is impossible not to + remark that this fortuitous contrast was scarcely moral, we must add that, + before deciding that point, it would be well to wait for the end of this + drama, unfortunately too true, for which the present historian is not + responsible. + </p> + <p> + Colleville was the only son of a talented musician, formerly first violin + at the Opera under Francoeur and Rebel, who related, at least six times a + month during his lifetime, anecdotes concerning the representations of the + “Village Seer”; and mimicked Jean-Jacques Rousseau, taking him off to + perfection. Colleville and Thuillier were inseparable friends; they had no + secrets from each other, and their friendship, begun at fifteen years of + age, had never known a cloud up to the year 1839. The former was one of + those employees who are called, in the government offices, pluralists. + These clerks are remarkable for their industry. Colleville, a good + musician, owed to the name and influence of his father a situation as + first clarionet at the Opera-Comique, and so long as he was a bachelor, + Colleville, who was rather richer than Thuillier, shared his means with + his friend. But, unlike Thuillier, Colleville married for love a + Mademoiselle Flavie, the natural daughter of a celebrated danseuse at the + Opera; her reputed father being a certain du Bourguier, one of the richest + contractors of the day. In style and origin, Flavie was apparently + destined for a melancholy career, when Colleville, often sent to her + mother’s apartments, fell in love with her and married her. Prince + Galathionne, who at that time was “protecting” the danseuse, then + approaching the end of her brilliant career, gave Flavie a “dot” of twenty + thousand francs, to which her mother added a magnificent trousseau. Other + friends and opera-comrades sent jewels and silver-ware, so that the + Colleville household was far richer in superfluities than in capital. + Flavie, brought up in opulence, began her married life in a charming + apartment, furnished by her mother’s upholsterer, where the young wife, + who was full of taste for art and for artists, and possessed a certain + elegance, ruled, a queen. + </p> + <p> + Madame Colleville was pretty and piquant, clever, gay, and graceful; to + express her in one sentence,—a charming creature. Her mother, the + danseuse, now forty-three years old, retired from the stage and went to + live in the country,—thus depriving her daughter of the resources + derived from her wasteful extravagance. Madame Colleville kept a very + agreeable but extremely free and easy household. From 1816 to 1826 she had + five children. Colleville, a musician in the evening, kept the books of a + merchant from seven to nine in the morning, and by ten o’clock he was at + his ministry. Thus, by blowing into a bit of wood by night, and writing + double-entry accounts in the early morning, he managed to eke out his + earnings to seven or eight thousand francs a year. + </p> + <p> + Madame Colleville played the part of a “comme il faut” woman; she received + on Wednesdays, gave a concert once a month and a dinner every fortnight. + She never saw Colleville except at dinner and at night, when he returned + about twelve o’clock, at which hour she was frequently not at home + herself. She went to the theatres, where boxes were sometimes given to + her; and she would send word to Colleville to come and fetch her from such + or such a house, where she was supping and dancing. At her own house, + guests found excellent cheer, and her society, though rather mixed, was + very amusing; she received and welcomed actresses, artists, men of + letters, and a few rich men. Madame Colleville’s elegance was on a par + with that of Tullia, the leading prima-donna, with whom she was intimate; + but though the Collevilles encroached on their capital and were often in + difficulty by the end of the month, Flavie was never in debt. + </p> + <p> + Colleville was very happy; he still loved his wife, and he made himself + her best friend. Always received by her with affectionate smiles and + sympathetic pleasure, he yielded readily to the irresistible grace of her + manners. The vehement activity with which he pursued his three avocations + was a part of his natural character and temperament. He was a fine stout + man, ruddy, jovial, extravagant, and full of ideas. In ten years there was + never a quarrel in his household. Among business men he was looked upon, + in common with all artists, as a scatter-brained fellow; and superficial + persons thought that the constant hurry of this hard worker was only the + restless coming and going of a busybody. + </p> + <p> + Colleville had the sense to seem stupid; he boasted of his family + happiness, and gave himself unheard-of trouble in making anagrams, in + order at times to seem absorbed in that passion. The government clerks of + his division at the ministry, the office directors, and even the heads of + divisions came to his concerts; now and then he quietly bestowed upon them + opera tickets, when he needed some extra indulgence on account of his + frequent absence. Rehearsals took half the time that he ought to have been + at his desk; but the musical knowledge his father had bequeathed to him + was sufficiently genuine and well-grounded to excuse him from all but + final rehearsals. Thanks to Madame Colleville’s intimacies, both the + theatre and the ministry lent themselves kindly to the needs of this + industrious pluralist, who, moreover, was bringing up, with great care, a + youth, warmly recommended to him by his wife, a future great musician, who + sometimes took his place in the orchestra with a promise of eventually + succeeding him. In fact, about the year 1827 this young man became the + first clarionet when Colleville resigned his position. + </p> + <p> + The usual comment on Flavie was, “That little slip of a coquette, Madame + Colleville.” The eldest of the Colleville children, born in 1816, was the + living image of Colleville himself. In 1818, Madame Colleville held the + cavalry in high estimation, above even art; and she distinguished more + particularly a sub-lieutenant in the dragoons of Saint-Chamans, the young + and rich Charles de Gondreville, who afterwards died in the Spanish + campaign. By that time Flavie had had a second son, whom she henceforth + dedicated to a military career. In 1820 she considered banking the nursing + mother of trade, the supporter of Nations, and she made the great Keller, + that famous banker and orator, her idol. She then had another son, whom + she named Francois, resolving to make him a merchant,—feeling sure + that Keller’s influence would never fail him. About the close of the year + 1820, Thuillier, the intimate friend of Monsieur and Madame Colleville, + felt the need of pouring his sorrows into the bosom of this excellent + woman, and to her he related his conjugal miseries. For six years he had + longed to have children, but God did not bless him; although that poor + Madame Thuillier had made novenas, and had even gone, uselessly, to + Notra-Dame de Liesse! He depicted Celeste in various lights, which brought + the words “Poor Thuillier!” from Flavie’s lips. She herself was rather + sad, having at the moment no dominant opinion. She poured her own griefs + into Thuillier’s bosom. The great Keller, that hero of the Left, was, in + reality, extremely petty; she had learned to know the other side of public + fame, the follies of banking, the emptiness of eloquence! The orator only + spoke for show; to her he had behaved extremely ill. Thuillier was + indignant. “None but stupid fellows know how to love,” he said; “take me!” + That handsome Thuillier was henceforth supposed to be paying court to + Madame Colleville, and was rated as one of her “attentives,”—a word + in vogue during the Empire. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! you are after my wife,” said Colleville, laughing. “Take care; she’ll + leave you in the lurch, like all the rest.” + </p> + <p> + A rather clever speech, by which Colleville saved his marital dignity. + From 1820 to 1821, Thuillier, in virtue of his title as friend of the + family, helped Colleville, who had formerly helped him; so much so, that + in eighteen months he had lent nearly ten thousand francs to the + Colleville establishment, with no intention of ever claiming them. In the + spring of 1821, Madame Colleville gave birth to a charming little girl, to + whom Monsieur and Madame Thuillier were godfather and godmother. The child + was baptized Celeste-Louise-Caroline-Brigitte; Mademoiselle Thuillier + wishing that her name should be given among others to the little angel. + The name of Caroline was a graceful attention paid to Colleville. Old + mother Lemprun assumed the care of putting the baby to nurse under her own + eyes at Auteuil, where Celeste and her sister-in-law Brigitte, paid it + regularly a semi-weekly visit. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Madame Colleville recovered she said to Thuillier, frankly, in + a very serious tone:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend, if we are all to remain good friends, you must be our + friend only. Colleville is attached to you; well, that’s enough for you in + this household.” + </p> + <p> + “Explain to me,” said the handsome Thuillier to Tullia after this remark, + “why women are never attached to me. I am not the Apollo Belvidere, but + for all that I’m not a Vulcan; I am passably good-looking, I have sense, I + am faithful—” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to tell you the truth?” replied Tullia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Well, though we can, sometimes, love a stupid fellow, we never love a + silly one.” + </p> + <p> + Those words killed Thuillier; he never got over them; henceforth he was a + prey to melancholy and accused all women of caprice. + </p> + <p> + The secretary-general of the ministry, des Lupeaulx, whose influence + Madame Colleville thought greater than it was, and of whom she said, + later, “That was one of my mistakes,” became for a time the great man of + the Colleville salon; but as Flavie found he had no power to promote + Colleville into the upper division, she had the good sense to resent des + Lupeaulx’s attentions to Madame Rabourdin (whom she called a minx), to + whose house she had never been invited, and who had twice had the + impertinence not to come to the Colleville concerts. + </p> + <p> + Madame Colleville was deeply affected by the death of young Gondreville; + she felt, she said, the finger of God. In 1824 she turned over a new leaf, + talked of economy, stopped her receptions, busied herself with her + children, determined to become a good mother of a family; no favorite + friend was seen at her house. She went to church, reformed her dress, wore + gray, and talked Catholicism, mysticism, and so forth. All this produced, + in 1825, another little son, whom she named Theodore. Soon after, in 1826, + Colleville was appointed sub-director of the Clergeot division, and later, + in 1828, collector of taxes in a Paris arrondissement. He also received + the cross of the Legion of honor, to enable him to put his daughter at the + royal school of Saint-Denis. The half-scholarship obtained by Keller for + the eldest boy, Charles, was transferred to the second in 1830, when + Charles entered the school of Saint-Louis on a full scholarship. The third + son, taken under the protection of Madame la Dauphine, was provided with a + three-quarter scholarship in the Henri IV. school. + </p> + <p> + In 1830 Colleville, who had the good fortune not to lose a child, was + obliged, owing to his well-known attachment to the fallen royal family, to + send in his resignation; but he was clever enough to make a bargain for + it,—obtaining in exchange a pension of two thousand four hundred + francs, based on his period of service, and ten thousand francs indemnity + paid by his successor; he also received the rank of officer of the Legion + of honor. Nevertheless, he found himself in rather a cramped condition + when Mademoiselle Thuillier, in 1832, advised him to come and live near + them; pointing out to him the possibility of obtaining some position in + the mayor’s office, which, in fact, he did obtain a few weeks later, at a + salary of three thousand francs. Thus Thuillier and Colleville were + destined to end their days together. In 1833 Madame Colleville, then + thirty-five years old, settled herself in the rue d’Enfer, at the corner + of the rue des Deux-Eglises with Celeste and little Theodore, the other + boys being at their several schools. Colleville was equidistant between + the mayor’s office and the rue Saint-Dominique d’Enfer. Thus the + household, after a brilliant, gay, headlong, reformed, and calmed + existence, subsided finally into bourgeois obscurity with five thousand + four hundred francs a year for its sole dependence. + </p> + <p> + Celeste was by this time twelve years of age, and she promised to be + pretty. She needed masters, and her education ought to cost not less than + two thousand francs a year. The mother felt the necessity of keeping her + under the eye of her godfather and godmother. She therefore very willingly + adopted the proposal of Mademoiselle Thuillier, who, without committing + herself to any engagement, allowed Madame Colleville to understand that + the fortunes of her brother, his wife, and herself would go, ultimately, + to the little Celeste. The child had been left at Auteuil until she was + seven years of age, adored by the good old Madame Lemprun, who died in + 1829, leaving twenty thousand francs, and a house which was sold for the + enormous sum of twenty-eight thousand. The lively little girl had seen + very little of her mother, but very much of Mademoiselle and Madame + Thuillier when she first returned to the paternal mansion in 1829; but in + 1833 she fell under the dominion of Flavie, who was then, as we have said, + endeavoring to do her duty, which, like other women instigated by remorse, + she exaggerated. Without being an unkind mother, Flavie was very stern + with her daughter. She remembered her own bringing-up, and swore within + herself to make Celeste a virtuous woman. She took her to mass, and had + her prepared for her first communion by a rector who has since become a + bishop. Celeste was all the more readily pious, because her godmother, + Madame Thuillier, was a saint, and the child adored her; she felt that the + poor neglected woman loved her better than her own mother. + </p> + <p> + From 1833 to 1840 she received a brilliant education according to the + ideas of the bourgeoisie. The best music-masters made her a fair musician; + she could paint a water-color properly; she danced extremely well; and she + had studied the French language, history, geography, English, Italian,—in + short, all that constitutes the education of a well-brought-up young lady. + Of medium height, rather plump, unfortunately near-sighted, she was + neither plain nor pretty; not without delicacy or even brilliancy of + complexion, it is true, but totally devoid of all distinction of manner. + She had a great fund of reserved sensibility, and her godfather and + godmother, Mademoiselle Thuillier and Colleville, were unanimous on one + point,—the great resource of mothers—namely, that Celeste was + capable of attachment. One of her beauties was a magnificent head of very + fine blond hair; but her hands and feet showed her bourgeois origin. + </p> + <p> + Celeste endeared herself by precious qualities; she was kind, simple, + without gall of any kind; she loved her father and mother, and would + willingly sacrifice herself for their sake. Brought up to the deepest + admiration for her godfather by Brigitte (who taught her to say “Aunt + Brigitte”), and by Madame Thuillier and her own mother, Celeste imbibed + the highest idea of the ex-beau of the Empire. The house in the rue + Saint-Dominique d’Enfer produced upon her very much the effect of the + Chateau des Tuileries on a courtier of the new dynasty. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier had not escaped the action of the administrative rolling-pin + which thins the mind as it spreads it out. Exhausted by irksome toil, as + much as by his life of gallantry, the ex-sub-director had well-nigh lost + all his faculties by the time he came to live in the rue Saint-Dominique. + But his weary face, on which there still reigned an air of imperial + haughtiness, mingled with a certain contentment, the conceit of an upper + official, made a deep impression upon Celeste. She alone adored that + haggard face. The girl, moreover, felt herself to be the happiness of the + Thuillier household. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE CIRCLE OF MONSIEUR AND MADAME THUILLIER + </h2> + <p> + The Collevilles and their children became, naturally, the nucleus of the + circle which Mademoiselle Thuillier had the ambition to group around her + brother. A former clerk in the Billardiere division of the ministry, named + Phellion, had lived for the last thirty years in their present quarter. He + was promptly greeted by Colleville and Thuillier at the first review. + Phellion proved to be one of the most respected men in the arrondissement. + He had one daughter, now married to a school-teacher in the rue + Saint-Hyacinthe, a Monsieur Barniol. Phellion’s eldest son was a professor + of mathematics in a royal college; he gave lectures and private lessons, + being devoted, so his father was wont to say, to pure mathematics. A + second son was in the government School of Engineering. Phellion had a + pension of nine hundred francs, and he possessed a little property of nine + thousand and a few odd hundred francs; the fruit of his economy and that + of his wife during thirty years of toil and privation. He was, moreover, + the owner of a little house and garden where he lived in the “impasse” des + Feuillantines,—in thirty years he had never used the old-fashioned + word “cul-de-sac”! + </p> + <p> + Dutocq, the clerk of the justice of peace, was also a former employee at + the ministry of finance. Sacrificed, in former days, to one of those + necessities which are always met with in representative government, he had + accepted the position of scapegoat, receiving, privately, a round sum of + money and the opportunity to buy his present post of clerk in the + arrondissement. This man, not very honorable, and known to be a spy in the + government offices, was never welcomed as he thought he ought to be by the + Thuilliers; but the coldness of his landlords only made him the more + persistent in going to see them. He was a bachelor and had various vices; + he therefore concealed his life carefully, knowing well how to maintain + his position by flattering his superiors. The justice of peace was much + attached to Dutocq. This man, base as he was, managed, in the end, to make + himself tolerated by the Thuilliers, chiefly by coarse and cringing + adulation. He knew the facts of Thuillier’s whole life, his relations with + Colleville, and, above all, with Madame Colleville. One and all they + feared his tongue, and the Thuilliers, without admitting him to any + intimacy, endured his visits. + </p> + <p> + The family which became the flower of the Thuillier salon was that of a + former ministerial clerk, once an object of pity in the government + offices, who, driven by poverty, left the public service, in 1827, to + fling himself into a business enterprise, having, as he thought, an idea. + Minard (that was his name) foresaw a fortune in one of those wicked + conceptions which reflect such discredit on French commerce, but which, in + the year 1827, had not yet been exposed and blasted by publicity. Minard + bought tea and mixed it with tea-leaves already used; also he adulterated + the elements of chocolate in a manner which enabled him to sell the + chocolate itself very cheaply. This trade in colonial products, begun in + the quartier Saint-Marcel, made a merchant of Minard. He started a + factory, and through these early connections he was able to reach the + sources of raw material. He then did honorably, and on a large scale, a + business begun in the first instance dishonorably. He became a distiller, + worked upon untold quantities of products, and, by the year 1835, was + considered the richest merchant in the region of the Place Maubert. By + that time he had bought a handsome house in the rue des Macons-Sorbonne; + he had been assistant mayor, and in 1839 became mayor of his + arrondissement and judge in the Court of Commerce. He kept a carriage, had + a country-place near Lagny; his wife wore diamonds at the court balls, and + he prided himself on the rosette of an officer of the Legion of honor in + his buttonhole. + </p> + <p> + Minard and his wife were exceedingly benevolent. Perhaps he wished to + return in retail to the poor the sums he had mulcted from the public by + the wholesale. Phellion, Colleville, and Thuillier met their old comrade, + Minard, at election, and an intimacy followed; all the closer with the + Thuilliers and Collevilles because Madame Minard seemed enchanted to make + an acquaintance for her daughter in Celeste Colleville. It was at a grand + ball given by the Minards that Celeste made her first appearance in + society (being at that time sixteen and a half years old), dressed as her + Christian named demanded, which seemed to be prophetic of her coming life. + Delighted to be friendly with Mademoiselle Minard, her elder by four + years, she persuaded her father and godfather to cultivate the Minard + establishment, with its gilded salons and great opulence, where many + political celebrities of the “juste milieu” were wont to congregate, such + as Monsieur Popinot, who became, after a time, minister of commerce; + Cochin, since made Baron Cochin, a former employee at the ministry of + finance, who, having a large interest in the drug business, was now the + oracle of the Lombard and Bourdonnais quarters, conjointly with Monsieur + Anselme Popinot. Minard’s eldest son, a lawyer, aiming to succeed those + barristers who were turned down from the Palais for political reasons in + 1830, was the genius of the household, and his mother, even more than his + father, aspired to marry him well. Zelie Minard, formerly a flower-maker, + felt an ardent passion for the upper social spheres, and desired to enter + them through the marriages of her son and daughter; whereas Minard, wiser + than she, and imbued with the vigor of the middle classes, which the + revolution of July had infiltrated into the fibres of government, thought + only of wealth and fortune. + </p> + <p> + He frequented the Thuillier salon to gain information as to Celeste’s + probable inheritance. He knew, like Dutocq and Phellion, the reports + occasioned by Thuillier’s former intimacy with Flavie, and he saw at a + glance the idolatry of the Thuilliers for their godchild. Dutocq, to gain + admittance to Minard’s house, fawned upon him grossly. When Minard, the + Rothschild of the arrondissement, appeared at the Thuilliers’, he compared + him cleverly to Napoleon, finding him stout, fat, and blooming, having + left him at the ministry thin, pale, and puny. + </p> + <p> + “You looked, in the division Billardiere,” he said, “like Napoleon before + the 18th Brumaire, and I behold you now the Napoleon of the Empire.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding which flattery, Minard received Dutocq very coldly and did + not invite him to his house; consequently, he made a mortal enemy of the + former clerk. + </p> + <p> + Monsieur and Madame Phellion, worthy as they were, could not keep + themselves from making calculations and cherishing hopes; they thought + that Celeste would be the very wife for their son the professor; + therefore, to have, as it were, a watcher in the Thuillier salon, they + introduced their son-in-law, Monsieur Barniol, a man much respected in the + faubourg Saint-Jacques, and also an old employee at the mayor’s office, an + intimate friend of theirs, named Laudigeois. Thus the Phellions formed a + phalanx of seven persons; the Collevilles were not less numerous; so that + on Sundays it often appeared that thirty persons were assembled in the + Thuillier salon. Thuillier renewed acquaintance with the Saillards, + Baudoyers, and Falleixs,—all persons of respectability in the + quarter of the Palais-Royal, whom they often invited to dinner. + </p> + <p> + Madame Colleville was, as a woman, the most distinguished member of this + society, just as Minard junior and Professor Phellion were superior among + the men. All the others, without ideas or education, and issuing from the + lower ranks, presented the types and the absurdities of the lesser + bourgeoisie. Though all success, especially if won from distant sources, + seems to presuppose some genuine merit, Minard was really an inflated + balloon. Expressing himself in empty phrases, mistaking sycophancy for + politeness, and wordiness for wit, he uttered his commonplaces with a + brisk assurance that passed for eloquence. Certain words which said + nothing but answered all things,—progress, steam, bitumen, National + guard, order, democratic element, spirit of association, legality, + movement, resistance,—seemed, as each political phase developed, to + have been actually made for Minard, whose talk was a paraphrase on the + ideas of his newspaper. Julien Minard, the young lawyer, suffered from his + father as much as his father suffered from his wife. Zelie had grown + pretentious with wealth, without, at the same time, learning to speak + French. She was now very fat, and gave the idea, in her rich surroundings, + of a cook married to her master. + </p> + <p> + Phellion, that type and model of the petty bourgeois, exhibited as many + virtues as he did absurdities. Accustomed to subordination during his + bureaucratic life, he respected all social superiority. He was therefore + silent before Minard. During the critical period of retirement from + office, he had held his own admirably, for the following reason. Never + until now had that worthy and excellent man been able to indulge his own + tastes. He loved the city of Paris; he was interested in its + embellishment, in the laying out of its streets; he was capable of + standing for hours to watch the demolition of houses. He might now have + been observed, stolidly planted on his legs, his nose in the air, watching + for the fall of a stone which some mason was loosening at the top of a + wall, and never moving till the stone fell; when it had fallen he went + away as happy as an academician at the fall of a romantic drama. Veritable + supernumeraries of the social comedy, Phellion, Laudigeois, and their + kind, fulfilled the functions of the antique chorus. They wept when + weeping was in order, laughed when they should laugh, and sang in parts + the public joys and sorrows; they triumphed in their corner with the + triumphs of Algiers, of Constantine, of Lisbon, of Sainte-Jean d’Ulloa; + they deplored the death of Napoleon and the fatal catastrophes of the + Saint-Merri and the rue Transnonnain, grieving over celebrated men who + were utterly unknown to them. Phellion alone presents a double side: he + divides himself conscientiously between the reasons of the opposition and + those of the government. When fighting went on in the streets, Phellion + had the courage to declare himself before his neighbors; he went to the + Place Saint-Michel, the place where his battalion assembled; he felt for + the government and did his duty. Before and during the riot, he supported + the dynasty, the product of July; but, as soon as the political trials + began, he stood by the accused. This innocent “weather-cockism” prevails + in his political opinions; he produces, in reply to all arguments, the + “colossus of the North.” England is, to his thinking, as to that of the + old “Constitutionnel,” a crone with two faces,—Machiavellian Albion, + and the model nation: Machiavellian, when the interests of France and of + Napoleon are concerned; the model nation when the faults of the government + are in question. He admits, with his chosen paper, the democratic element, + but refuses in conversation all compact with the republican spirit. The + republican spirit to him means 1793, rioting, the Terror, and agrarian + law. The democratic element is the development of the lesser bourgeoisie, + the reign of Phellions. + </p> + <p> + The worthy old man is always dignified; dignity serves to explain his + life. He has brought up his children with dignity; he has kept himself a + father in their eyes; he insists on being honored in his home, just as he + himself honors power and his superiors. He has never made debts. As a + juryman his conscience obliges him to sweat blood and water in the effort + to follow the debates of a trial; he never laughs, not even if the judge, + and audience, and all the officials laugh. Eminently useful, he gives his + services, his time, everything—except his money. Felix Phellion, his + son, the professor, is his idol; he thinks him capable of attaining to the + Academy of Sciences. Thuillier, between the audacious nullity of Minard, + and the solid silliness of Phellion, was a neutral substance, but + connected with both through his dismal experience. He managed to conceal + the emptiness of his brain by commonplace talk, just as he covered the + yellow skin of his bald pate with thready locks of his gray hair, brought + from the back of his head with infinite art by the comb of his + hairdresser. + </p> + <p> + “In any other career,” he was wont to say, speaking of the government + employ, “I should have made a very different fortune.” + </p> + <p> + He had seen the <i>right</i>, which is possible in theory and impossible + in practice,—results proving contrary to premises,—and he + related the intrigues and the injustices of the Rabourdin affair. + </p> + <p> + “After that, one can believe all, and believe nothing,” he would say. “Ah! + it is a queer thing, government! I’m very glad not to have a son, and + never to see him in the career of a place-hunter.” + </p> + <p> + Colleville, ever gay, rotund, and good-humored, a sayer of “quodlibets,” a + maker of anagrams, always busy, represented the capable and bantering + bourgeois, with faculty without success, obstinate toil without result; he + was also the embodiment of jovial resignation, mind without object, art + with usefulness, for, excellent musician that he was, he never played now + except for his daughter. + </p> + <p> + The Thuillier salon was in some sort a provincial salon, lighted, however, + by continual flashes from the Parisian conflagration; its mediocrity and + its platitudes followed the current of the times. The popular saying and + thing (for in Paris the thing and its saying are like the horse and its + rider) ricochetted, so to speak, to this company. Monsieur Minard was + always impatiently expected, for he was certain to know the truth of + important circumstances. The women of the Thuillier salon held by the + Jesuits; the men defended the University; and, as a general thing, the + women listened. A man of intelligence (could he have borne the dulness of + these evenings) would have laughed, as he would at a comedy of Moliere, on + hearing, amid endless discussion, such remarks as the following:— + </p> + <p> + “How could the Revolution of 1789 have been avoided? The loans of Louis + XIV. prepared the way for it. Louis XV., an egotist, a man of narrow mind + (didn’t he say, ‘If I were lieutenant of police I would suppress + cabriolets’?), that dissolute king—you remember his Parc aux Cerfs?—did + much to open the abyss of revolution. Monsieur de Necker, an evil-minded + Genovese, set the thing a-going. Foreigners have always tried to injure + France. The maximum did great harm to the Revolution. Legally Louis XVI. + should never have been condemned; a jury would have acquitted him. Why did + Charles X. fall? Napoleon was a great man, and the facts that prove his + genius are anecdotal: he took five pinches of snuff a minute out of a + pocket lined with leather made in his waistcoat. He looked into all his + tradesmen’s accounts; he went to Saint-Denis to judge for himself the + prices of things. Talma was his friend; Talma taught him his gestures; + nevertheless, he always refused to give Talma the Legion of honor! The + emperor mounted guard for a sentinel who went to sleep, to save him from + being shot. Those were the things that made his soldiers adore him. Louis + XVIII., who certainly had some sense, was very unjust in calling him + Monsieur de Buonaparte. The defect of the present government is in letting + itself be led instead of leading. It holds itself too low. It is afraid of + men of energy. It ought to have torn up all the treaties of 1815 and + demanded the Rhine. They keep the same men too long in the ministry”; + etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + “Come, you’ve exerted your minds long enough,” said Mademoiselle + Thuillier, interrupting one of these luminous talks; “the altar is + dressed; begin your little game.” + </p> + <p> + If these anterior facts and all these generalities were not placed here as + the frame of the present Scene, to give an idea of the spirit of this + society, the following drama would certainly have suffered greatly. + Moreover, this sketch is historically faithful; it shows a social stratum + of importance in any portrayal of manners and morals, especially when we + reflect that the political system of the Younger branch rests almost + wholly upon it. + </p> + <p> + The winter of the year 1839 was, it may be said, the period when the + Thuillier salon was in its greatest glory. The Minards came nearly every + Sunday, and began their evening by spending an hour there, if they had + other engagements elsewhere. Often Minard would leave his wife at the + Thuilliers and take his son and daughter to other houses. This assiduity + on the part of the Minards was brought about by a somewhat tardy meeting + between Messieurs Metivier, Barbet, and Minard on an evening when the two + former, being tenants of Mademoiselle Thuillier, remained rather longer + than usual in discussing business with her. From Barbet, Minard learned + that the old maid had money transactions with himself and Metivier to the + amount of sixty thousand francs, besides having a large deposit in the + Bank. + </p> + <p> + “Has she an account at the Bank?” asked Minard. + </p> + <p> + “I believe so,” replied Barbet. “I give her at least eighty thousand + francs there.” + </p> + <p> + Being on intimate terms with a governor of the Bank, Minard ascertained + that Mademoiselle Thuillier had, in point of fact, an account of over two + hundred thousand francs, the result of her quarterly deposits for many + years. Besides this, she owned the house they lived in, which was not + mortgaged, and was worth at least one hundred thousand francs, if not + more. + </p> + <p> + “Why should Mademoiselle Thuillier work in this way?” said Minard to + Metivier. “She’d be a good match for you,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “I? oh, no,” replied Metivier. “I shall do better by marrying a cousin; my + uncle Metivier has given me the succession to his business; he has a + hundred thousand francs a year and only two daughters.” + </p> + <p> + However secretive Mademoiselle Thuillier might be,—and she said + nothing of her investments to any one, not even to her brother, although a + large amount of Madame Thuillier’s fortune went to swell the amount of her + own savings,—it was difficult to prevent some ray of light from + gliding under the bushel which covered her treasure. + </p> + <p> + Dutocq, who frequented Barbet, with whom he had some resemblance in + character and countenance, had appraised, even more correctly than Minard, + the Thuillier finances. He knew that their savings amounted, in 1838, to + one hundred and fifty thousand francs, and he followed their progress + secretly, calculating profits by the help of that all-wise money-lender, + Barbet. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste will have from my brother and myself two hundred thousand francs + in ready money,” the old maid had said to Barbet in confidence, “and + Madame Thuillier wishes to secure to her by the marriage contract the + ultimate possession of her own fortune. As for me, my will is made. My + brother will have everything during his lifetime, and Celeste will be my + heiress with that reservation. Monsieur Cardot, the notary, is my + executor.” + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Thuillier now instigated her brother to renew his former + relations with the Saillards, Baudoyers, and others, who held a position + similar to that of the Thuilliers in the quartier Saint-Antoine, of which + Monsieur Saillard was mayor. Cardot, the notary, had produced his aspirant + for Celeste’s hand in the person of Monsieur Godeschal, attorney and + successor to Derville; an able man, thirty-six years of age, who had paid + one hundred thousand francs for his practice, which the two hundred + thousand of the “dot” would doubly clear off. Minard, however, got rid of + Godeschal by informing Mademoiselle Thuillier that Celeste’s sister-in-law + would be the famous Mariette of the Opera. + </p> + <p> + “She came from the stage,” said Colleville, alluding to his wife, “and + there’s no need she should return to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides, Monsieur Godeschal is too old for Celeste,” remarked Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “And ought we not,” added Madame Thuillier, timidly, “to let her marry + according to her own taste, so as to be happy?” + </p> + <p> + The poor woman had detected in Felix Phellion a true love for Celeste; the + love that a woman crushed by Brigitte and wounded by her husband’s + indifference (for Thuillier cared less for his wife than he did for a + servant) had dreamed that love might be,—bold in heart, timid + externally, sure of itself, reserved, hidden from others, but expanding + toward heaven. At twenty-three years of age, Felix Phellion was a gentle, + pure-minded young man, like all true scholars who cultivate knowledge for + knowledge’s sake. He had been sacredly brought up by his father, who, + viewing all things seriously, had given him none but good examples + accompanied by trivial maxims. He was a young man of medium height, with + light chestnut hair, gray eyes, and a skin full of freckles; gifted with a + charming voice, a tranquil manner; making few gestures; thoughtful, saying + little, and that little sensible; contradicting no one, and quite + incapable of a sordid thought or a selfish calculation. + </p> + <p> + “That,” thought Madame Thuillier, “is what I should have liked my husband + to be.” + </p> + <p> + One evening, in the month of February, 1840, the Thuillier salon contained + the various personages whose silhouettes we have just traced out, together + with some others. It was nearly the end of the month. Barbet and Metivier + having business with mademoiselle Brigitte, were playing whist with Minard + and Phellion. At another table were Julien the advocate (a nickname given + by Colleville to young Minard), Madame Colleville, Monsieur Barniol, and + Madame Phellion. “Bouillotte,” at five sous a stake, occupied Madame + Minard, who knew no other game, Colleville, old Monsieur Saillard, and + Bandoze, his son-in-law. The substitutes were Laudigeois and Dutocq. + Mesdames Falleix, Baudoyer, Barniol, and Mademoiselle Minard were playing + boston, and Celeste was sitting beside Prudence Minard. Young Phellion was + listening to Madame Thuillier and looking at Celeste. + </p> + <p> + At a corner of the fireplace sat enthroned on a sofa the Queen Elizabeth + of the family, as simply dressed as she had been for the last thirty + years; for no prosperity could have made her change her habits. She wore + on her chinchilla hair a black gauze cap, adorned with the geranium called + Charles X.; her gown, of plum-colored stuff, made with a yoke, cost + fifteen francs, her embroidered collarette was worth six, and it ill + disguised the deep wrinkle produced by the two muscles which fastened the + head to the vertebral column. The actor, Monvel, playing Augustus Caesar + in his old age, did not present a harder and sterner profile than that of + this female autocrat, knitting socks for her brother. Before the fireplace + stood Thuillier in an attitude, ready to go forward and meet the arriving + guests; near him was a young man whose entrance had produced a great + effect, when the porter (who on Sundays wore his best clothes and waited + on the company) announced Monsieur Olivier Vinet. + </p> + <p> + A private communication made by Cardot to the celebrated + “procureur-general,” father of this young man, was the cause of his visit. + Olivier Vinet had just been promoted from the court of Arcis-sur-Aube to + that of the Seine, where he now held the post of substitute + “procureur-de-roi.” Cardot had already invited Thuillier and the elder + Vinet, who was likely to become minister of justice, with his son, to dine + with him. The notary estimated the fortunes which would eventually fall to + Celeste at seven hundred thousand francs. Vinet junior appeared charmed to + obtain the right to visit the Thuilliers on Sundays. Great dowries make + men commit great and unbecoming follies without reserve or decency in + these days. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later another young man, who had been talking with Thuillier + before the arrival of Olivier Vinet, raised his voice eagerly, in a + political discussion, and forced the young magistrate to follow his + example in the vivacious argument which now ensued. The matter related to + the vote by which the Chamber of Deputies had just overthrown the ministry + of the 12th of May, refusing the allowance demanded for the Duc de + Nemours. + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly,” said the young man, “I am far from belonging to the dynastic + party; I am very far from approving of the rise of the bourgeoisie to + power. The bourgeoisie ought not, any more than the aristocracy of other + days, to assume to be the whole nation. But the French bourgeoisie has now + taken upon itself to create a new dynasty, a royalty of its own, and + behold how it treats it! When the people allowed Napoleon to rise to + power, it created with him a splendid and monumental state of things; it + was proud of his grandeur; and it nobly gave its blood and sweat in + building up the edifice of the Empire. Between the magnificence of the + aristocratic throne and those of the imperial purple, between the great of + the earth and the People, the bourgeoisie is proving itself petty; it + degrades power to its own level instead of rising up to it. The saving of + candle-ends it has so long practised behind its counters, it now seeks to + impose on its princes. What may perhaps have been virtue in its shops is a + blunder and a crime higher up. I myself have wanted many things for the + people, but I never should have begun by lopping off ten millions of + francs from the new civil list. In becoming, as it were, nearly the whole + of France, the bourgeoisie owed to us the prosperity of the people, + splendor without ostentation, grandeur without privilege.” + </p> + <p> + The father of Olivier Vinet was just now sulking with the government. The + robe of Keeper of the Seals, which had been his dream, was slow in coming + to him. The young substitute did not, therefore, know exactly how to + answer this speech; he thought it wise to enlarge on one of its side + issues. + </p> + <p> + “You are right, monsieur,” said Olivier Vinet. “But, before manifesting + itself magnificently, the bourgeoisie has other duties to fulfil towards + France. The luxury you speak of should come after duty. That which seems + to you so blameable is the necessity of the moment. The Chamber is far + from having its full share in public affairs; the ministers are less for + France than they are for the crown, and parliament has determined that the + administration shall have, as in England, a strength and power of its own, + and not a mere borrowed power. The day on which the administration can act + for itself, and represent the Chamber as the Chamber represents the + country, parliament will be found very liberal toward the crown. The whole + question is there. I state it without expressing my own opinion, for the + duties of my post demand, in politics, a certain fealty to the crown.” + </p> + <p> + “Setting aside the political question,” replied the young man, whose voice + and accent were those of a native of Provence, “it is certainly true that + the bourgeoisie has ill understood its mission. We can see, any day, the + great law officers, attorney-generals, peers of France in omnibuses, + judges who live on their salaries, prefects without fortunes, ministers in + debt! Whereas the bourgeoisie, who have seized upon those offices, ought + to dignify them, as in the olden time when aristocracy dignified them, and + not occupy such posts solely for the purpose of making their fortune, as + scandalous disclosures have proved.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this young man?” thought Olivier Vinet. “Is he a relative? Cardot + ought to have come with me on this first visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that little monsieur?” asked Minard of Barbet. “I have seen him + here several times.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a tenant,” replied Metivier, shuffling the cards. + </p> + <p> + “A lawyer,” added Barbet, in a low voice, “who occupies a small apartment + on the third floor front. Oh! <i>He</i> doesn’t amount to much; he has + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the name of that young man?” said Olivier Vinet to Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Theodose de la Peyrade; he is a barrister,” replied Thuillier, in a + whisper. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the women present, as well as the men, looked at the two + young fellows, and Madame Minard remarked to Colleville:— + </p> + <p> + “He is rather good-looking, that stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “I have made his anagram,” replied Colleville, “and his name, + Charles-Marie-Theodose de la Peyrade, prophecies: ‘Eh! monsieur payera, de + la dot, des oies et le char.’ Therefore, my dear Mamma Minard, be sure you + don’t give him your daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “They say that young man is better-looking than my son,” said Madame + Phellion to Madame Colleville. “What do you think about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! in the matter of physical beauty a woman might hesitate before + choosing,” replied Madame Colleville. + </p> + <p> + At that moment it occurred to young Vinet as he looked round the salon, so + full of the lesser bourgeoisie, that it might be a shrewd thing to magnify + that particular class; and he thereupon enlarged upon the meaning of the + young Provencal barrister, declaring that men so honored by the confidence + of the government should imitate royalty and encourage a magnificence + surpassing that of the former court. It was folly, he said, to lay by the + emoluments of an office. Besides, could it be done, in Paris especially, + where costs of living had trebled,—the apartment of a magistrate, + for instance, costing three thousand francs a year? + </p> + <p> + “My father,” he said in conclusion, “allows me three thousand francs a + year, and that, with my salary, barely allows me to maintain my rank.” + </p> + <p> + When the young substitute rode boldly into this bog-hole, the Provencal, + who had slyly enticed him there, exchanged, without being observed, a wink + with Dutocq, who was just then waiting for the place of a player at + bouillotte. + </p> + <p> + “There is such a demand for offices,” remarked the latter, “that they talk + of creating two justices of the peace to each arrondissement in order to + make a dozen new clerkships. As if they could interfere with our rights + and our salaries, which already require an exhorbitant tax!” + </p> + <p> + “I have not yet had the pleasure of hearing you at the Palais,” said Vinet + to Monsieur de la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “I am advocate for the poor, and I plead only before the justice of + peace,” replied la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Thuillier, as she listened to young Vinet’s theory of the + necessity of spending an income, assumed a distant air and manner, the + significance of which was well understood by Dutocq and the young + Provencal. Vinet left the house in company with Minard and Julien the + advocate, so that the battle-field before the fire-place was abandoned to + la Peyrade and Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + “The upper bourgeoisie,” said Dutocq to Thuillier, “will behave, in + future, exactly like the old aristocracy. The nobility wanted girls with + money to manure their lands, and the parvenus of to-day want the same to + feather their nests.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s exactly what Monsieur Thuillier was saying to me this morning,” + remarked la Peyrade, boldly. + </p> + <p> + “Vinet’s father,” said Dutocq, “married a Demoiselle de Chargeboeuf and + has caught the opinions of the nobility; he wants a fortune at any price; + his wife spends money regally.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Thuillier, in whom the jealousy between the two classes of the + bourgeoisie was fully roused, “take offices away from those fellows and + they’d fall back where they came.” + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle was knitting with such precipitous haste that she seemed to + be propelled by a steam-engine. + </p> + <p> + “Take my place, Monsieur Dutocq,” said Madame Minard, rising. “My feet are + cold,” she added, going to the fire, where the golden ornaments of her + turban made fireworks in the light of the Saint-Aurora wax-candles that + were struggling vainly to light the vast salon. + </p> + <p> + “He is very small fry, that young substitute,” said Madame Minard, + glancing at Mademoiselle Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Small fry!” cried la Peyrade. “Ah, madame! how witty!” + </p> + <p> + “But madame has so long accustomed us to that sort of thing,” said the + handsome Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + Madame Colleville was examining la Peyrade and comparing him with young + Phellion, who was just then talking to Celeste, neither of them paying any + heed to what was going on around them. This is, certainly, the right + moment to depict the singular personage who was destined to play a signal + part in the Thuillier household, and who fully deserves the appellation of + a great artist. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. A PRINCIPAL PERSONAGE + </h2> + <p> + There exists in Provence, especially about Avignon, a race of men with + blond or chestnut hair, fair skin, and eyes that are almost tender, their + pupils calm, feeble, or languishing, rather than keen, ardent, or + profound, as they usually are in the eyes of Southerners. Let us remark, + in passing, that among Corsicans, a race subject to fits of anger and + dangerous irascibility, we often meet with fair skins and physical natures + of the same apparent tranquillity. These pale men, rather stout, with + somewhat dim and hazy eyes either green or blue, are the worst species of + humanity in Provence; and Charles-Marie-Theodose de la Peyrade presents a + fine type of that race, the constitution of which deserves careful + examination on the part of medical science and philosophical physiology. + There rises, at times, within such men, a species of bile,—a bitter + gall, which flies to their head and makes them capable of ferocious + actions, done, apparently, in cold blood. Being the result of an inward + intoxication, this sort of dumb violence seems to be irreconcilable with + their quasi-lymphatic outward man, and the tranquillity of their benignant + glance. + </p> + <p> + Born in the neighborhood of Avignon, the young Provencal whose name we + have just mentioned was of middle height, well-proportioned, and rather + stout; the tone of his skin had no brilliancy; it was neither livid nor + dead-white, nor colored, but gelatinous,—that word can alone give a + true idea of the flabby, hueless envelope, beneath which were concealed + nerves that were less vigorous than capable of enormous resistance at + certain given moments. His eyes, of a pale cold blue, expressed in their + ordinary condition a species of deceptive sadness, which must have had + great charms for women. The forehead, finely cut, was not without dignity, + and it harmonized well with the soft, light chestnut hair curling + naturally, but slightly, at its tips. The nose, precisely like that of a + hunting dog, flat and furrowed at the tip, inquisitive, intelligent, + searching, always on the scent, instead of expressing good-humor, was + ironical and mocking; but this particular aspect of his nature never + showed itself openly; the young man must have ceased to watch himself, he + must have flown into fury before the power came to him to flash out the + sarcasm and the wit which embittered, tenfold, his infernal humor. The + mouth, the curving lines and pomegranate-colored lips of which were very + pleasing, seemed the admirable instrument of an organ that was almost + sweet in its middle tones, where its owner usually kept it, but which, in + its higher key, vibrated on the ear like the sound of a gong. This + falsetto was the voice of his nerves and his anger. His face, kept + expressionless by an inward command, was oval in form. His manners, in + harmony with the sacerdotal calmness of the face, were reserved and + conventional; but he had supple, pliant ways which, though they never + descended to wheedling, were not lacking in seduction; although as soon as + his back was turned their charm seemed inexplicable. Charm, when it takes + its rise in the heart, leaves deep and lasting traces; that which is + merely a product of art, or of eloquence, has only a passing power; it + produces its immediate effect, and that is all. But how many philosophers + are there in life who are able to distinguish the difference? Almost + always the trick is played (to use a popular expression) before the + ordinary run of men have perceived its methods. + </p> + <p> + Everything about this young man of twenty-seven was in harmony with his + character; he obeyed his vocation by cultivating philanthropy,—the + only expression which explains the philanthropist. Theodose loved the + People, for he limited his love for humanity. Like the horticulturist who + devotes himself to roses, or dahlias, or heart’s-ease, or geraniums, and + pays no attention to the plants his fancy has not selected, so this young + La Rochefoucault-Liancourt gave himself to the workingmen, the proletariat + and the paupers of the faubourgs Saint-Jacques and Saint-Marceau. The + strong man, the man of genius at bay, the worthy poor of the bourgeois + class, he cut them off from the bosom of his charity. The heart of all + persons with a mania is like those boxes with compartments, in which + sugarplums are kept in sorts: “suum cuique tribuere” is their motto; they + measure to each duty its dose. There are some philanthropists who pity + nothing but the man condemned to death. Vanity is certainly the basis of + philanthropy; but in the case of this Provencal it was calculation, a + predetermined course, a “liberal” and democratic hypocrisy, played with a + perfection that no other actor will ever attain. + </p> + <p> + Theodose did not attack the rich; he contented himself with not + understanding them; he endured them; every one, in his opinion, ought to + enjoy the fruits of his labor. He had been, he said, a fervent disciple of + Saint-Simon, but that mistake must be attributed to his youth: modern + society could have no other basis than heredity. An ardent Catholic, like + all men from the Comtat, he went to the earliest morning masses, and thus + concealed his piety. Like other philanthropists, he practised a sordid + economy, and gave to the poor his time, his legal advice, his eloquence, + and such money as he extracted for them from the rich. His clothes, always + of black cloth, were worn until the seams became white. Nature had done a + great deal for Theodose in not giving him that fine manly Southern beauty + which creates in others an imaginary expectation, to which it is more than + difficult for a man to respond. As it was, he could be what suited him at + the moment,—an agreeable man or a very ordinary one. Never, since + his admission to the Thuilliers’, had he ventured, till this evening, to + raise his voice and speak as dogmatically as he had risked doing to + Olivier Vinet; but perhaps Theodose de la Peyrade was not sorry to seize + the opportunity to come out from the shade in which he had hitherto kept + himself. Besides, it was necessary to get rid of the young substitute, + just as the Minards had previously ruined the hopes of Monsieur Godeschal. + Like all superior men (for he certainly had some superiority), Vinet had + never lowered himself to the point where the threads of these bourgeois + spider-webs became visible to him, and he had therefore plunged, like a + fly, headforemost, into the almost invisible trap to which Theodose + inveigled him. + </p> + <p> + To complete this portrait of the poor man’s lawyer we must here relate the + circumstances of his first arrival at the Thuilliers’. + </p> + <p> + Theodose came to lodge in Mademoiselle Thuillier’s house toward the close + of the year 1837. He had taken his degree about five years earlier, and + had kept the proper number of terms to become a barrister. Circumstances, + however, about which he said nothing, had interfered to prevent his being + called to the bar; he was, therefore, still a licentiate. But soon after + he was installed in the little apartment on the third floor, with the + furniture rigorously required by all members of his noble profession,—for + the guild of barristers admits no brother unless he has a suitable study, + a legal library, and can thus, as it were, verify his claims,—Theodose + de la Peyrade began to practise as a barrister before the Royal Court of + Paris. + </p> + <p> + The whole of the year 1838 was employed in making this change in his + condition, and he led a most regular life. He studied at home in the + mornings till dinner-time, going sometimes to the Palais for important + cases. Having become very intimate with Dutocq (so Dutocq said), he did + certain services to the poor of the faubourg Saint-Jacques who were + brought to his notice by that official. He pleaded their cases before the + court, after bringing them to the notice of the attorneys, who, according + to the statutes of their order, are obliged to take turns in doing + business for the poor. As Theodose was careful to plead only safe cases, + he won them all. Those persons whom he thus obliged expressed their + gratitude and their admiration, in spite of the young lawyer’s + admonitions, among their own class, and to the porters of private houses, + through whom many anecdotes rose to the ears of the proprietors. Delighted + to have in their house a tenant so worthy and so charitable, the + Thuilliers wished to attract him to their salon, and they questioned + Dutocq about him. The mayor’s clerk replied as the envious reply; while + doing justice to the young man he dwelt on his remarkable avarice, which + might, however, be the effect of poverty. + </p> + <p> + “I have had other information about him. He belongs to the Peyrades, an + old family of the ‘comtat’ of Avignon; he came here toward the end of + 1829, to inquire about an uncle whose fortune was said to be considerable; + he discovered the address of the old man only three days before his death; + and the furniture of the deceased merely sufficed to bury him and pay his + debts. A friend of this useless uncle gave a couple of hundred louis to + the poor fortune-hunter, advising him to finish his legal studies and + enter the judiciary career. Those two hundred louis supported him for + three years in Paris, where he lived like an anchorite. But being unable + to discover his unknown friend and benefactor, the poor student was in + abject distress in 1833. He worked then, like so many other licentiates, + in politics and literature, by which he kept himself for a time above want—for + he had nothing to expect from his family. His father, the youngest brother + of the dead uncle, has eleven other children, who live on a small estate + called Les Canquoelles. He finally obtained a place on a ministerial + newspaper, the manager of which was the famous Cerizet, so celebrated for + the persecutions he met with, under the Restoration, on account of his + attachment to the liberals,—a man whom the new Left will never + forgive for having made his paper ministerial. As the government of these + days does very little to protect even its most devoted servants (witness + the Gisquet affair), the republicans have ended by ruining Cerizet. I tell + you this to explain how it is that Cerizet is now a copying clerk in my + office. Well, in the days when he flourished as managing editor of a paper + directed by the Perier ministry against the incendiary journals, the + ‘Tribune’ and others, Cerizet, who is a worthy fellow after all, though he + is too fond of women, pleasure, and good living, was very useful to + Theodose, who edited the political department of the paper; and if it + hadn’t been for the death of Casimir Perier that young man would certainly + have received an appointment as substitute judge in Paris. As it was, he + dropped back in 1834-35, in spite of his talent; for his connection with a + ministerial journal of course did him harm. ‘If it had not been for my + religious principles,’ he said to me, ‘I should have thrown myself into + the Seine.’ However, it seems that the friend of his uncle must have heard + of his distress, for again he sent him a sum of money; enough to complete + his terms for the bar; but, strange to say, he has never known the name or + the address of this mysterious benefactor. After all, perhaps, under such + circumstances, his economy is excusable, and he must have great strength + of mind to refuse what the poor devils whose cases he wins by his devotion + offer him. He is indignant at the way other lawyers speculate on the + possibility or impossibility of poor creatures, unjustly sued, paying for + the costs of their defence. Oh! he’ll succeed in the end. I shouldn’t be + surprised to see that fellow in some very brilliant position; he has + tenacity, honesty, and courage. He studies, he delves.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the favor with which he was greeted, la Peyrade went + discreetly to the Thuilliers’. When reproached for this reserve he went + oftener, and ended by appearing every Sunday; he was invited to all + dinner-parties, and became at last so familiar in the house that whenever + he came to see Thuillier about four o’clock he was always requested to + take “pot-luck” without ceremony. Mademoiselle Thuillier used to say:— + </p> + <p> + “Then we know that he will get a good dinner, poor fellow!” + </p> + <p> + A social phenomenon which has certainly been observed, but never, as yet, + formulated, or, if you like it better, published, though it fully deserves + to be recorded, is the return of habits, mind, and manners to primitive + conditions in certain persons who, between youth and old age, have raised + themselves above their first estate. Thus Thuillier had become, once more, + morally speaking, the son of a concierge. He now made use of many of his + father’s jokes, and a little of the slime of early days was beginning to + appear on the surface of his declining life. About five or six times a + month, when the soup was rich and good he would deposit his spoon in his + empty plate and say, as if the proposition were entirely novel:— + </p> + <p> + “That’s better than a kick on the shin-bone!” + </p> + <p> + On hearing that witticism for the first time Theodose, to whom it was + really new, laughed so heartily that the handsome Thuillier was tickled in + his vanity as he had never been before. After that, Theodose greeted the + same speech with a knowing little smile. This slight detail will explain + how it was that on the morning of the day when Theodose had his passage at + arms with Vinet he had said to Thuillier, as they were walking in the + garden to see the effect of a frost:— + </p> + <p> + “You have much more wit than you give yourself credit for.” + </p> + <p> + To which he received this answer:— + </p> + <p> + “In any other career, my dear Theodose, I should have made my way nobly; + but the fall of the Emperor broke my neck.” + </p> + <p> + “There is still time,” said the young lawyer. “In the first place, what + did that mountebank, Colleville, ever do to get the cross?” + </p> + <p> + There la Peyrade laid his finger on a sore wound which Thuillier hid from + every eye so carefully that even his sister did not know of it; but the + young man, interested in studying these bourgeois, had divined the secret + envy that gnawed at the heart of the ex-official. + </p> + <p> + “If you, experienced as you are, will do the honor to follow my advice,” + added the philanthropist, “and, above all, not mention our compact to any + one, I will undertake to have you decorated with the Legion of honor, to + the applause of the whole quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if we succeed in that,” cried Thuillier, “you don’t know what I would + do for you.” + </p> + <p> + This explains why Thuillier carried his head high when Theodose had the + audacity that evening to put opinions into his mouth. + </p> + <p> + In art—and perhaps Moliere had placed hypocrisy in the rank of art + by classing Tartuffe forever among comedians—there exists a point of + perfection to which genius alone attains; mere talent falls below it. + There is so little difference between a work of genius and a work of + talent, that only men of genius can appreciate the distance that separates + Raffaelle from Correggio, Titian from Rubens. More than that; common minds + are easily deceived on this point. The sign of genius is a certain + appearance of facility. In fact, its work must appear, at first sight, + ordinary, so natural is it, even on the highest subjects. Many + peasant-women hold their children as the famous Madonna in the Dresden + gallery holds hers. Well, the height of art in a man of la Peyrade’s force + was to oblige others to say of him later: “Everybody would have been taken + in by him.” + </p> + <p> + Now, in the salon Thuillier, he noted a dawning opposition; he perceived + in Colleville the somewhat clear-sighted and criticising nature of an + artist who has missed his vocation. The barrister felt himself displeasing + to Colleville, who (as the result of circumstances not necessary to here + report) considered himself justified in believing in the science of + anagrams. None of this anagrams had ever failed. The clerks in the + government office had laughed at him when, demanding an anagram on the + name of the poor helpless Auguste-Jean-Francois Minard, he had produced, + “J’amassai une si grande fortune”; and the event had justified him after + the lapse of ten years! Theodose, on several occasions, had made advances + to the jovial secretary of the mayor’s office, and had felt himself + rebuffed by a coldness which was not natural in so sociable a man. When + the game of bouillotte came to an end, Colleville seized the moment to + draw Thuillier into the recess of a window and say to him:— + </p> + <p> + “You are letting that lawyer get too much foothold in your house; he kept + the ball in his own hands all the evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, my friend; forewarned is forearmed,” replied Thuillier, + inwardly scoffing at Colleville. + </p> + <p> + Theodose, who was talking at the moment to Madame Colleville, had his eye + on the two men, and, with the same prescience by which women know when and + how they are spoken of, he perceived that Colleville was trying to injure + him in the mind of the weak and silly Thuillier. “Madame,” he said in + Flavie’s ear, “if any one here is capable of appreciating you it is + certainly I. You seem to me a pearl dropped into the mire. You say you are + forty-two, but a woman is no older than she looks, and many women of + thirty would be thankful to have your figure and that noble countenance, + where love has passed without ever filling the void in your heart. You + have given yourself to God, I know, and I have too much religion myself to + regret it, but I also know that you have done so because no human being + has proved worthy of you. You have been loved, but you have never been + adored—I have divined that. There is your husband, who has not known + how to please you in a position in keeping with your deserts. He dislikes + me, as if he thought I loved you; and he prevents me from telling you of a + way that I think I have found to place you in the sphere for which you + were destined. No, madame,” he continued, rising, “the Abbe Gondrin will + not preach this year through Lent at our humble Saint-Jacques du Haut-Pas; + the preacher will be Monsieur d’Estival, a compatriot of mine, and you + will hear in him one of the most impressive speakers that I have ever + known,—a priest whose outward appearance is not agreeable, but, oh! + what a soul!” + </p> + <p> + “Then my desire will be gratified,” said poor Madame Thuillier. “I have + never yet been able to understand a famous preacher.” + </p> + <p> + A smile flickered on the lips of Mademoiselle Thuillier and several others + who heard the remark. + </p> + <p> + “They devote themselves too much to theological demonstration,” said + Theodose. “I have long thought so myself—but I never talk religion; + if it had not been for Madame <i>de</i> Colleville, I—” + </p> + <p> + “Are there demonstrations in theology?” asked the professor of + mathematics, naively, plunging headlong into the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “I think, monsieur,” replied Theodose, looking straight at Felix Phellion, + “that you cannot be serious in asking me such a question.” + </p> + <p> + “Felix,” said old Phellion, coming heavily to the rescue of his son, and + catching a distressed look on the pale face of Madame Thuillier,—“Felix + separates religion into two categories; he considers it from the human + point of view and the divine point of view,—tradition and reason.” + </p> + <p> + “That is heresy, monsieur,” replied Theodose. “Religion is one; it + requires, above all things, faith.” + </p> + <p> + Old Phellion, nonplussed by that remark, nodded to his wife:— + </p> + <p> + “It is getting late, my dear,” and he pointed to the clock. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Monsieur Felix,” said Celeste in a whisper to the candid + mathematician, “Couldn’t you be, like Pascal and Bossuet, learned and + pious both?” + </p> + <p> + The Phellions, on departing, carried the Collevilles with them. Soon no + one remained in the salon but Dutocq, Theodose, and the Thuilliers. + </p> + <p> + The flattery administered by Theodose to Flavie seems at the first sight + coarsely commonplace, but we must here remark, in the interests of this + history, that the barrister was keeping himself as close as possible to + these vulgar minds; he was navigating their waters; he spoke their + language. His painter was Pierre Grassou, and not Joseph Bridau; his book + was “Paul and Virginia.” The greatest living poet for him was Casimire de + la Vigne; to his eyes the mission of art was, above all things, utility. + Parmentier, the discoverer of the potato, was greater to him that thirty + Raffaelles; the man in the blue cloak seemed to him a sister of charity. + These were Thuillier’s expressions, and Theodose remembered them all—on + occasion. + </p> + <p> + “That young Felix Phellion,” he now remarked, “is precisely the academical + man of our day; the product of knowledge which sends God to the rear. + Heavens, what are we coming to? Religion alone can save France; nothing + but the fear of hell will preserve us from domestic robbery, which is + going on at all hours in the bosom of families, and eating into the surest + fortunes. All of you have a secret warfare in your homes.” + </p> + <p> + After this shrewd tirade, which made a great impression upon Brigitte, he + retired, followed by Dutocq, after wishing good evening to the three + Thuilliers. + </p> + <p> + “That young man has great capacity,” said Thuillier, sententiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that he has,” replied Brigitte, extinguishing the lamps. + </p> + <p> + “He has religion,” said Madame Thuillier, as she left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” Phellion was saying to Colleville as they came abreast of the + Ecole de Mines, looking about him to see that no one was near, “it is + usually my custom to submit my insight to that of others, but it is + impossible for me not to think that that young lawyer plays the master at + our friend Thuillier’s.” + </p> + <p> + “My own opinion,” said Colleville, who was walking with Phellion behind + his wife, Madame Phellion, and Celeste, “is that he’s a Jesuit; and I + don’t like Jesuits; the best of them are no good. To my mind a Jesuit + means knavery, and knavery for knavery’s sake; they deceive for the + pleasure of deceiving, and, as the saying is, to keep their hand in. + That’s my opinion, and I don’t mince it.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, monsieur,” said Phellion, who was arm-in-arm with + Colleville. + </p> + <p> + “No, Monsieur Phellion,” remarked Flavie in a shrill voice, “you don’t + understand Colleville; but I know what he means, and I think he had better + stop saying it. Such subjects are not to be talked of in the street, at + eleven o’clock at night, and before a young lady.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, wife,” said Colleville. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the rue des Deux-Eglises, which Phellion was to take, + they all stopped to say good-night, and Felix Phellion, who was bring up + the rear, said to Colleville:— + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur, your son Francois could enter the Ecole Polytechnique if he + were well-coached; I propose to you to fit him to pass the examinations + this year.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s an offer not to be refused! Thank you, my friend,” said + Colleville. “We’ll see about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said Phellion to his son, as they walked on. + </p> + <p> + “Not a bad stroke!” said the mother. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” asked Felix. + </p> + <p> + “You are very cleverly paying court to Celeste’s parents.” + </p> + <p> + “May I never find the solution of my problem if I even thought of it!” + cried the young professor. “I discovered, when talking with the little + Collevilles, that Francois has a strong turn for mathematics, and I + thought I ought to enlighten his father.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, my son!” repeated Phellion. “I wouldn’t have you otherwise. My + prayers are granted! I have a son whose honor, probity, and private and + civic virtues are all that I could wish.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Colleville, as soon as Celeste had gone to bed, said to her + husband:— + </p> + <p> + “Colleville, don’t utter those blunt opinions about people without knowing + something about them. When you talk of Jesuits I know you mean priests; + and I wish you would do me the kindness to keep your opinions on religion + to yourself when you are in company with your daughter. We may sacrifice + our own souls, but not the souls of our children. You don’t want Celeste + to be a creature without religion? And remember, my dear, that we are at + the mercy of others; we have four children to provide for; and how do you + know that, some day or other, you may not need the services of this one or + that one? Therefore don’t make enemies. You haven’t any now, for you are a + good-natured fellow; and, thanks to that quality, which amounts in you to + a charm, we have got along pretty well in life, so far.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s enough!” said Colleville, flinging his coat on a chair and pulling + off his cravat. “I’m wrong, and you are right, my beautiful Flavie.” + </p> + <p> + “And on the next occasion, my dear old sheep,” said the sly creature, + tapping her husband’s cheek, “you must try to be polite to that young + lawyer; he is a schemer and we had better have him on our side. He is + playing comedy—well! play comedy with him; be his dupe apparently; + if he proves to have talent, if he has a future before him, make a friend + of him. Do you think I want to see you forever in the mayor’s office?” + </p> + <p> + “Come, wife Colleville,” said the former clarionet, tapping his knee to + indicate the place he wished his wife to take. “Let us warm our toes and + talk.—When I look at you I am more than ever convinced that the + youth of women is in their figure.” + </p> + <p> + “And in their heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, both,” assented Colleville; “waist slender, heart solid—” + </p> + <p> + “No, you old stupid, deep.” + </p> + <p> + “What is good about you is that you have kept your fairness without + growing fat. But the fact is, you have such tiny bones. Flavie, it is a + fact that if I had life to live over again I shouldn’t wish for any other + wife than you.” + </p> + <p> + “You know very well I have always preferred you to <i>others</i>. How + unlucky that monseigneur is dead! Do you know what I covet for you?” + </p> + <p> + “No; what?” + </p> + <p> + “Some office at the Hotel de Ville,—an office worth twelve thousand + francs a year; cashier, or something of that kind; either there, or at + Poissy, in the municipal department; or else as manufacturer of musical + instruments—” + </p> + <p> + “Any one of them would suit me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then! if that queer barrister has power, and he certainly has + plenty of intrigue, let us manage him. I’ll sound him; leave me to do the + thing—and, above all, don’t thwart his game at the Thuilliers’.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose had laid a finger on a sore sport in Flavie Colleville’s heart; + and this requires an explanation, which may, perhaps, have the value of a + synthetic glance at women’s life. + </p> + <p> + At forty years of age a woman, above all, if she has tasted the poisoned + apple of passion, undergoes a solemn shock; she sees two deaths before + her: that of the body and that of the heart. Dividing women into two great + categories which respond to the common ideas, and calling them either + virtuous or guilty, it is allowable to say that after that fatal period + they both suffer pangs of terrible intensity. If virtuous, and + disappointed in the deepest hopes of their nature—whether they have + had the courage to submit, whether they have buried their revolt in their + hearts or at the foot of the altar—they never admit to themselves + that all is over for them without horror. That thought has such strange + and diabolical depths that in it lies the reason of some of those + apostasies which have, at times, amazed the world and horrified it. If + guilty, women of that age fall into one of several delirious conditions + which often turn, alas! to madness, or end in suicide, or terminate in + some with passion greater than the situation itself. + </p> + <p> + The following is the “dilemmatic” meaning of this crisis. Either they have + known happiness, known it in a virtuous life, and are unable to breathe in + any air but that surcharged with incense, or act in any but a balmy + atmosphere of flattery and worship,—if so, how is it possible to + renounce it?—or, by a phenomenon less rare than singular, they have + found only wearying pleasures while seeking for the happiness that escaped + them—sustained in that eager chase by the irritating satisfactions + of vanity, clinging to the game like a gambler to his double or quits; for + to them these last days of beauty are their last stake against despair. + </p> + <p> + “You have been loved, but never adored.” + </p> + <p> + That speech of Theodose, accompanied by a look which read, not into her + heart, but into her life, was the key-note to her enigma, and Flavie felt + herself divined. + </p> + <p> + The lawyer had merely repeated ideas which literature has rendered + trivial; but what matter where the whip comes from, or how it is made, if + it touches the sensitive spot of a horse’s hide? The emotion was in + Flavie, not in the speech, just as the noise is not in the avalanche, + though it produces it. + </p> + <p> + A young officer, two fops, a banker, a clumsy youth, and Colleville, were + poor attempts at happiness. Once in her life Madame Colleville had dreamed + of it, but never attained it. Death had hastened to put an end to the only + passion in which she had found a charm. For the last two years she had + listened to the voice of religion, which told her that neither the Church, + nor its votaries, should talk of love or happiness, but of duty and + resignation; that the only happiness lay in the satisfaction of fulfilling + painful and costly duties, the rewards for which were not in this world. + All the same, however, she was conscious of another clamoring voice; but, + inasmuch as her religion was only a mask which it suited her to wear, and + not a conversion, she did not lay it aside, thinking it a resource. + Believing also that piety, false or true, was a becoming manner in which + to meet her future, she continued in the Church, as though it were the + cross-roads of a forest, where, seated on a bench, she read the + sign-posts, and waited for some lucky chance; feeling all the while that + night was coming on. + </p> + <p> + Thus it happened that her interest was keenly excited when Theodose put + her secret condition of mind into words, seeming to promise her the + realization of her castle in the air, already built and overthrown some + six or eight times. + </p> + <p> + From the beginning of the winter she had noticed that Theodose was + examining and studying her, though cautiously and secretly. More than + once, she had put on her gray moire silk with its black lace, and her + headdress of Mechlin with a few flowers, in order to appear to her best + advantage; and men know very well when a toilet has been made to please + them. The old beau of the Empire, that handsome Thuillier, overwhelmed her + with compliments, assuring her she was queen of the salon, but la Peyrade + said infinitely more to the purpose by a look. + </p> + <p> + Flavie had expected, Sunday after Sunday, a declaration, saying to herself + at times:— + </p> + <p> + “He knows I am ruined and haven’t a sou. Perhaps he is really pious.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose did nothing rashly; like a wise musician, he had marked the place + in his symphony where he intended to tap his drum. When he saw Colleville + attempting to warn Thuillier against him, he fired his broadside, cleverly + prepared during the three or four months in which he had been studying + Flavie; he now succeeded with her as he had, earlier in the day, succeeded + with Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + While getting into bed, Theodose said to himself:— + </p> + <p> + “The wife is on my side; the husband can’t endure me; they are now + quarrelling; and I shall get the better of it, for she does what she likes + with that man.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer was mistaken in one thing: there was no dispute whatever, and + Colleville was sleeping peacefully beside his dear little Flavie, while + she was saying to herself:— + </p> + <p> + “Certainly Theodose must be a superior man.” + </p> + <p> + Many men, like la Peyrade, derive their superiority from the audacity, or + the difficulty, of an enterprise; the strength they display increases + their muscular power, and they spend it freely. Then when success is won, + or defeat is met, the public is astonished to find how small, exhausted, + and puny those men really are. After casting into the minds of the two + persons on whom Celeste’s fate chiefly depended, an interest and curiosity + that were almost feverish, Theodose pretended to be a very busy man; for + five or six days he was out of the house from morning till night, in order + not to meet Flavie until the time when her interest should increase to the + point of overstepping conventionality, and also in order to force the + handsome Thuillier to come and fetch him. + </p> + <p> + The following Sunday he felt certain he should find Madame Colleville at + church; he was not mistaken, for they came out, each of them, at the same + moment, and met at the corner of the rue des Deux-Eglises. Theodose + offered his arm, which Flavie accepted, leaving her daughter to walk in + front with her brother Anatole. This youngest child, then about twelve + years old, being destined for the seminary, was now at the Barniol + institute, where he obtained an elementary education; Barniol, the + son-in-law of the Phellions, was naturally making the tuition fees light, + with a view to the hoped-for alliance between Felix and Celeste. + </p> + <p> + “Have you done me the honor and favor of thinking over what I said to you + so badly the other day?” asked the lawyer, in a caressing tone, pressing + the lady’s arm to his heart with a movement both soft and strong; for he + seemed to wish to restrain himself and appear respectful, in spite of his + evident eagerness. “Do not misunderstand my intentions,” he continued, + after receiving from Madame Colleville one of those looks which women + trained to the management of passion know how to give,—a look that, + by mere expression, can convey both severe rebuke and secret community of + sentiment. “I love you as we love a noble nature struggling against + misfortune; Christian charity enfolds both the strong and the weak; its + treasure belongs to both. Refined, graceful, elegant as you are, made to + be an ornament of the highest society, what man could see you without + feeling an immense compassion in his heart—buried here among these + odious bourgeois, who know nothing of you, not even the aristocratic value + of a single one of your attitudes, or those enchanting inflections of your + voice! Ah! if I were only rich! if I had power! your husband, who is + certainly a good fellow, should be made receiver-general, and you yourself + could get him elected deputy. But, alas! poor ambitious man, my first duty + is to silence my ambition. Knowing myself at the bottom of the bag like + the last number in a family lottery, I can only offer you my arm and not + my heart. I hope all from a good marriage, and, believe me, I shall make + my wife not only happy, but I shall make her one of the first in the land, + receiving from her the means of success. It is so fine a day, will you not + take a turn in the Luxembourg?” he added, as they reached the rue d’Enfer + at the corner of Colleville’s house, opposite to which was a passage + leading to the gardens by the stairway of a little building, the last + remains of the famous convent of the Chartreux. + </p> + <p> + The soft yielding of the arm within his own, indicated a tacit consent to + this proposal, and as Flavie deserved the honor of a sort of enthusiasm, + he drew her vehemently along, exclaiming:— + </p> + <p> + “Come! we may never have so good a moment—But see!” he added, “there + is your husband at the window looking at us; let us walk slowly.” + </p> + <p> + “You have nothing to fear from Monsieur Colleville,” said Flavie, smiling; + “he leaves me mistress of my own actions.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! here, indeed, is the woman I have dreamed of,” cried the Provencal, + with that ecstasy that inflames the soul only, and in tones that issue + only from Southern lips. “Pardon me, madame,” he said, recovering himself, + and returning from an upper sphere to the exiled angel whom he looked at + piously,—“pardon me, I abandon what I was saying; but how can a man + help feeling for the sorrows he has known himself when he sees them the + lot of a being to whom life should bring only joy and happiness? Your + sufferings are mine; I am no more in my right place than you are in yours; + the same misfortune has made us brother and sister. Ah! dear Flavie, the + first day it was granted to me to see you—the last Sunday in + September, 1838—you were very beautiful; I shall often recall you to + memory in that pretty little gown of mousseline-de-laine of the color of + some Scottish tartan! That day I said to myself: ‘Why is that woman so + often at the Thuilliers’; above all, why did she ever have intimate + relations with Thuillier himself?—‘” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur!” said Flavie, alarmed at the singular course la Peyrade was + giving to the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Eh! I know all,” he cried, accompanying the words with a shrug of his + shoulders. “I explain it all to my own mind, and I do not respect you + less. You now have to gather the fruits of your sin, and I will help you. + Celeste will be very rich, and in that lies your own future. You can have + only one son-in-law; chose him wisely. An ambitious man might become a + minister, but you would humble your daughter and make her miserable; and + if such a man lost his place and fortune he could never recover it. Yes, I + love you,” he continued. “I love you with an unlimited affection; you are + far above the mass of petty considerations in which silly women entangle + themselves. Let us understand each other.” + </p> + <p> + Flavie was bewildered; she was, however, awake to the extreme frankness of + such language, and she said to herself, “He is not a secret manoeuvrer, + certainly.” Moreover, she admitted to her own mind that no one had ever so + deeply stirred and excited her as this young man. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” she said, “I do not know who could have put into your mind so + great an error as to my life, nor by what right you—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! pardon me, madame,” interrupted the Provencal with a coolness that + smacked of contempt. “I must have dreamed it. I said to myself, ‘She is + all that!’ But I see I was judging from the outside. I know now why you + are living and will always live on a fourth floor in the rue d’Enfer.” + </p> + <p> + And he pointed his speech with an energetic gesture toward the Colleville + windows, which could be seen through the passage from the alley of the + Luxembourg, where they were walking alone, in that immense tract trodden + by so many and various young ambitions. + </p> + <p> + “I have been frank, and I expected reciprocity,” resumed Theodose. “I + myself have had days without food, madame; I have managed to live, pursue + my studies, obtain my degree, with two thousand francs for my sole + dependence; and I entered Paris through the Barriere d’Italie, with five + hundred francs in my pocket, firmly resolved, like one of my compatriots, + to become, some day, one of the foremost men of our country. The man who + has often picked his food from baskets of scraps where the restaurateurs + put their refuse, which are emptied at six o’clock every morning—that + man is not likely to recoil before any means,—avowable, of course. + Well, do you think me the friend of the people?” he said, smiling. “One + has to have a speaking-trumpet to reach the ear of Fame; she doesn’t + listen if you speak with your lips; and without fame of what use is + talent? The poor man’s advocate means to be some day the advocate of the + rich. Is that plain speaking? Don’t I open my inmost being to you? Then + open your heart to me. Say to me, ‘Let us be friends,’ and the day will + come when we shall both be happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! why did I ever come here? Why did I ever take your arm?” + cried Flavie. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is in your destiny,” he replied. “Ah! my dear, beloved + Flavie,” he added, again pressing her arm upon his heart, “did you expect + to hear the vulgarities of love from me? We are brother and sister; that + is all.” + </p> + <p> + And he led her towards the passage to return to the rue d’Enfer. + </p> + <p> + Flavie felt a sort of terror in the depths of the contentment which all + women find in violent emotions; and she took that terror for the sort of + fear which a new passion always excites; but for all that, she felt she + was fascinated, and she walked along in absolute silence. + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of?” asked Theodose, when they reached the middle + of the passage. + </p> + <p> + “Of what you have just said to me,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “At our age,” he said, “it is best to suppress preliminaries; we are not + children; we both belong to a sphere in which we should understand each + other. Remember this,” he added, as they reached the rue d’Enfer.—“I + am wholly yours.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he bowed low to her. + </p> + <p> + “The iron’s in the fire now!” he thought to himself as he watched his + giddy prey on her way home. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. A KEYNOTE + </h2> + <p> + When Theodose reached home he found, waiting for him on the landing, a + personage who is, as it were, the submarine current of this history; he + will be found within it like some buried church on which has risen the + facade of a palace. The sight of this man, who, after vainly ringing at la + Peyrade’s door, was now trying that of Dutocq, made the Provencal + barrister tremble—but secretly, within himself, not betraying + externally his inward emotion. This man was Cerizet, whom Dutocq had + mentioned to Thuillier as his copying-clerk. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet was only thirty-eight years old, but he looked a man of fifty, so + aged had he become from causes which age all men. His hairless head had a + yellow skull, ill-covered by a rusty, discolored wig; the mask of his + face, pale, flabby, and unnaturally rough, seemed the more horrible + because the nose was eaten away, though not sufficiently to admit of its + being replaced by a false one. From the spring of this nose at the + forehead, down to the nostrils, it remained as nature had made it; but + disease, after gnawing away the sides near the extremities, had left two + holes of fantastic shape, which vitiated pronunciation and hampered + speech. The eyes, originally handsome, but weakened by misery of all kinds + and by sleepless nights, were red around the edges, and deeply sunken; the + glance of those eyes, when the soul sent into them an expression of + malignancy, would have frightened both judges and criminals, or any others + whom nothing usually affrights. + </p> + <p> + The mouth, toothless except for a few black fangs, was threatening; the + saliva made a foam within it, which did not, however, pass the pale thin + lips. Cerizet, a short man, less spare than shrunken, endeavored to remedy + the defects of his person by his clothes, and although his garments were + not those of opulence, he kept them in a condition of neatness which may + even have increased his forlorn appearance. Everything about him seemed + dubious; his age, his nose, his glance inspired doubt. It was impossible + to know if he were thirty-eight or sixty; if his faded blue trousers, + which fitted him well, were of a coming or a past fashion. His boots, worn + at the heels, but scrupulously blacked, resoled for the third time, and + very choice, originally, may have trodden in their day a ministerial + carpet. The frock coat, soaked by many a down-pour, with its brandebourgs, + the frogs of which were indiscreet enough to show their skeletons, + testified by its cut to departed elegance. The satin stock-cravat + fortunately concealed the shirt, but the tongue of the buckle behind the + neck had frayed the satin, which was re-satined, that is, re-polished, by + a species of oil distilled from the wig. In the days of its youth the + waistcoat was not, of course, without freshness, but it was one of those + waistcoats, bought for four francs, which come from the hooks of the + ready-made clothing dealer. All these things were carefully brushed, and + so was the shiny and misshapen hat. They harmonized with each other, even + to the black gloves which covered the hands of this subaltern + Mephistopheles, whose whole anterior life may be summed up in a single + phrase:— + </p> + <p> + He was an artist in evil, with whom, from the first, evil had succeeded; a + man misled by these early successes to continue the plotting of infamous + deeds within the lines of strict legality. Becoming the head of a + printing-office by betraying his master [see “Lost Illusions”], he had + afterwards been condemned to imprisonment as editor of a liberal + newspaper. In the provinces, under the Restoration, he became the bete + noire of the government, and was called “that unfortunate Cerizet” by + some, as people spoke of “the unfortunate Chauvet” and “the heroic + Mercier.” He owed to this reputation of persecuted patriotism a place as + sub-prefect in 1830. Six months later he was dismissed; but he insisted + that he was judged without being heard; and he made so much talk about it + that, under the ministry of Casimir Perier, he became the editor of an + anti-republican newspaper in the pay of the government. He left that + position to go into business, one phase of which was the most nefarious + stock-company that ever fell into the hands of the correctional police. + Cerizet proudly accepted the severe sentence he received; declaring it to + be a revengeful plot on the part of the republicans, who, he said, would + never forgive him for the hard blows he had dealt them in his journal. He + spent the time of his imprisonment in a hospital. The government by this + time were ashamed of a man whose almost infamous habits and shameful + business transactions, carried on in company with a former banker, named + Claparon, led him at last into well-deserved public contempt. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet, thus fallen, step by step, to the lowest rung of the social + ladder, had recourse to pity in order to obtain the place of copying clerk + in Dutocq’s office. In the depths of his wretchedness the man still + dreamed of revenge, and, as he had nothing to lose, he employed all means + to that end. Dutocq and himself were bound together in depravity. Cerizet + was to Dutocq what the hound is the huntsman. Knowing himself the + necessities of poverty and wretchedness, he set up that business of gutter + usury called, in popular parlance, “the loan by the little week.” He began + this at first by help of Dutocq, who shared the profits; but, at the + present moment this man of many legal crimes, now the banker of fishwives, + the money-lender of costermongers, was the gnawing rodent of the whole + faubourg. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cerizet as Dutocq opened his door, “Theodose has just come + in; let us go to his room.” + </p> + <p> + The advocate of the poor was fain to allow the two men to pass before him. + </p> + <p> + All three crossed a little room, the tiled floor of which, covered with a + coating of red encaustic, shone in the light; thence into a little salon + with crimson curtains and mahogany furniture, covered with red Utrecht + velvet; the wall opposite the window being occupied by book-shelves + containing a legal library. The chimney-piece was covered with vulgar + ornaments, a clock with four columns in mahogany, and candelabra under + glass shades. The study, where the three men seated themselves before a + soft-coal fire, was the study of a lawyer just beginning to practise. The + furniture consisted of a desk, an armchair, little curtains of green silk + at the windows, a green carpet, shelves for lawyer’s boxes, and a couch, + above which hung an ivory Christ on a velvet background. The bedroom, + kitchen, and rest of the apartment looked out upon the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cerizet, “how are things going? Are we getting on?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “You must admit,” cried Dutocq, “that my idea was a famous one, in laying + hold of that imbecile of a Thuillier?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I’m not behindhand either,” exclaimed Cerizet. “I have come now + to show you a way to put the thumbscrews on the old maid and make her spin + like a teetotum. We mustn’t deceive ourselves; Mademoiselle Thuillier is + the head and front of everything in this affair; if we get her on our side + the town is won. Let us say little, but that little to the point, as + becomes strong men with each other. Claparon, you know, is a fool; he’ll + be all his life what he always was,—a cat’s-paw. Just now he is + lending his name to a notary in Paris, who is concerned with a lot of + contractors, and they are all—notary and masons—on the point + of ruin. Claparon is going headlong into it. He never yet was bankrupt; + but there’s a first time for everything. He is hidden now in my hovel in + the rue des Poules, where no one will ever find him. He is desperate, and + he hasn’t a penny. Now, among the five or six houses built by these + contractors, which have to be sold, there’s a jewel of a house, built of + freestone, in the neighborhood of the Madeleine,—a frontage laced + like a melon, with beautiful carvings,—but not being finished, it + will have to be sold for what it will bring; certainly not more than a + hundred thousand francs. By spending twenty-five thousand francs upon it + it could be let, undoubtedly, for ten thousand. Make Mademoiselle + Thuillier the proprietor of that house and you’ll win her love; she’ll + believe that you can put such chances in her way every year. There are two + ways of getting hold of vain people: flatter their vanity, <i>or</i> + threaten them; and there are also two ways of managing misers: fill their + purse, or else attack it. Now, this stroke of business, while it does good + to Mademoiselle Thuillier, does good to us as well, and it would be a pity + not to profit by the chance.” + </p> + <p> + “But why does the notary let it slip through his fingers?” asked Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + “The notary, my dear fellow! Why, he’s the very one who saves us. Forced + to sell his practice, and utterly ruined besides, he reserved for himself + this crumb of the cake. Believing in the honesty of that idiot Claparon, + he has asked him to find a dummy purchaser. We’ll let him suppose that + Mademoiselle Thuillier is a worthy soul who allows Claparon to use her + name; they’ll both be fooled, Claparon and the notary too. I owe this + little trick to my friend Claparon, who left me to bear the whole weight + of the trouble about his stock-company, in which we were tricked by + Conture, and I hope you may never be in that man’s skin!” he added, + infernal hatred flashing from his worn and withered eyes. “Now, I’ve said + my say, gentlemen,” he continued, sending out his voice through his nasal + holes, and taking a dramatic attitude; for once, at a moment of extreme + penury, he had gone upon the stage. + </p> + <p> + As he finished making his proposition some one rang at the outer door, and + la Peyrade rose to go and open it. As soon as his back was turned, Cerizet + said, hastily, to Dutocq:— + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of him? I see a sort of air about him—And I’m a good + judge of treachery.” + </p> + <p> + “He is so completely in our power,” said Dutocq, “that I don’t trouble + myself to watch; but, between ourselves, I didn’t think him as strong as + he proves to be. The fact is, we thought we were putting a barb between + the legs of a man who didn’t know how to ride, and the rogue is an old + jockey!” + </p> + <p> + “Let him take care,” growled Cerizet. “I can blow him down like a house of + cards any day. As for you, papa Dutocq, you are able to see him at work + all the time; watch him carefully. Besides, I’ll feel his pulse by getting + Claparon to propose to him to get rid of us; that will help us to judge + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty good, that!” said Dutocq. “You are daring, anyhow.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got my hand in, that’s all,” replied Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + These words were exchanged in a low voice during the time that it took + Theodose to go to the outer door and return. Cerizet was looking at the + books when the lawyer re-entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “It is Thuillier,” said Theodose. “I thought he’d come; he is in the + salon. He mustn’t see Cerizet’s frock-coat; those frogs would frighten + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! you receive the poor in your office, don’t you? That’s in your + role. Do you want any money?” added Cerizet, pulling a hundred francs out + of his trousers’ pocket. “There it is; it won’t look amiss.” + </p> + <p> + And he laid the pile on the chimney-piece. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Dutocq, “we had better get out through the bedroom.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, good-bye,” said Theodose, opening a hidden door which communicated + from the study to the bedroom. “Come in, Monsieur Thuillier,” he called + out to the beau of the Empire. + </p> + <p> + When he saw him safely in the study he went to let out his two associates + through the bedroom and kitchen into the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + “In six months,” said Cerizet, “you’ll have married Celeste and got your + foot into the stirrup. You are lucky, you are, not to have sat, like me, + in the prisoners’ dock. I’ve been there twice: once in 1825, for + ‘subversive articles’ which I never wrote, and the second time for + receiving the profits of a joint-stock company which had slipped through + my fingers! Come, let’s warm this thing up! Sac-a-papier! Dutocq and I are + sorely in need of that twenty-five thousand francs. Good courage, old + fellow!” he added, holding out his hand to Theodose, and making the grasp + a test of faithfulness. + </p> + <p> + The Provencal gave Cerizet his right hand, pressing the other’s hand + warmly:— + </p> + <p> + “My good fellow,” he said, “be very sure that in whatever position I may + find myself I shall never forget that from which you have drawn me by + putting me in the saddle here. I’m simply your bait; but you are giving me + the best part of the catch, and I should be more infamous than a + galley-slave who turns policeman if I didn’t play fair.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the door was closed, Cerizet peeped through the key-hole, + trying to catch sight of la Peyrade’s face. But the Provencal had turned + back to meet Thuillier, and his distrustful associate could not detect the + expression of his countenance. + </p> + <p> + That expression was neither disgust nor annoyance, it was simply joy, + appearing on a face that now seemed freed. Theodose saw the means of + success approaching him, and he flattered himself that the day would come + when he might get rid of his ignoble associates, to whom he owed + everything. Poverty has unfathomable depths, especially in Paris, slimy + bottoms, from which, when a drowned man rises to the surface of the water, + he brings with him filth and impurity clinging to his clothes, or to his + person. Cerizet, the once opulent friend and protector of Theodose, was + the muddy mire still clinging to the Provencal, and the former manager of + the joint-stock company saw very plainly that his tool wanted to brush + himself on entering a sphere where decent clothing was a necessity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear Theodose,” began Thuillier, “we have hoped to see you every + day this week, and every evening we find our hopes deceived. As this is + our Sunday for a dinner, my sister and my wife have sent me here to beg + you to come to us.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been so busy,” said Theodose, “that I have not had two minutes to + give to any one, not even to you, whom I count among my friends, and with + whom I have wished to talk about—” + </p> + <p> + “What? have you really been thinking seriously over what you said to me?” + cried Thuillier, interrupting him. + </p> + <p> + “If you had not come here now for a full understanding, I shouldn’t + respect you as I do,” replied la Peyrade, smiling. “You have been a + sub-director, and therefore you must have the remains of ambition—which + is deucedly legitimate in your case! Come, now, between ourselves, when + one sees a Minard, that gilded pot, displaying himself at the Tuileries, + and complimenting the king, and a Popinot about to become a minister of + State, and then look at you! a man trained to administrative work, a man + with thirty years’ experience, who has seen six governments, left to plant + balsams in a little garden! Heavens and earth!—I am frank, my dear + Thuillier, and I’ll say, honestly, that I want to advance you, because + you’ll draw me after you. Well, here’s my plan. We are soon to elect a + member of the council-general from this arrondissement; and that member + must be you. And,” he added, dwelling on the word, “it <i>will</i> be you! + After that, you will certainly be deputy from the arrondissement when the + Chamber is re-elected, which must surely be before long. The votes that + elect you to the municipal council will stand by you in the election for + deputy, trust me for that.” + </p> + <p> + “But how will you manage all this?” cried Thuillier, fascinated. + </p> + <p> + “You shall know in good time; but you must let me conduct this long and + difficult affair; if you commit the slightest indiscretion as to what is + said, or planned, or agreed between us, I shall have to drop the whole + matter, and good-bye to you!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you can rely on the absolute dumbness of a former sub-director; I’ve + had secrets to keep.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all very well; but these are secrets to keep from your wife and + sister, and from Monsieur and Madame Colleville.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a muscle of my face shall reveal them,” said Thuillier, assuming a + stolid air. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” continued Theodose. “I shall test you. In order to make + yourself eligible, you must pay taxes on a certain amount of property, and + you are not paying them.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon; I’m all right for the municipal council at any rate; I + pay two francs ninety-six centimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the tax on property necessary for election to the chamber is + five hundred francs, and there is no time to lose in acquiring that + property, because you must prove possession for one year.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” cried Thuillier; “between now and a year hence to be taxed + five hundred francs on property which—” + </p> + <p> + “Between now and the end of July, at the latest, you must pay that tax. + Well, I feel enough interest in you to tell you the secret of an affair by + which you might make from thirty to forty thousand francs a year, by + employing a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand at most. I know that + in your family it is your sister who does your business; I am far from + thinking that a mistake; she has, they tell me, excellent judgment; and + you must let me begin by obtaining her good-will and friendship, and + proposing this investment to her. And this is why: If Mademoiselle + Thuillier is not induced to put faith in my plan, we shall certainly have + difficulty with her. Besides, it won’t do for YOU to propose to her that + she should put the investment of her money in your name. The idea had + better come from me. As to my means of getting you elected to the + municipal council, they are these: Phellion controls one quarter of the + arrondissement; he and Laudigeois have lived in it these thirty years, and + they are listened to like oracles. I have a friend who controls another + quarter; and the rector of Saint-Jacques, who is not without influence, + thanks to his virtues, disposes of certain votes. Dutocq, in his close + relation to the people, and also the justice of peace, will help me, above + all, as I’m not acting for myself; and Colleville, as secretary of the + mayor’s office, can certainly manage to obtain another fourth of the + votes.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right!” cried Thuillier. “I’m elected!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so?” said la Peyrade, in a voice of the deepest sarcasm. + “Very good! then go and ask your friend Colleville to help you, and see + what he’ll say. No triumph in election cases is ever brought about by the + candidate himself, but by his friends. He should never ask anything + himself for himself; he must be invited to accept, and appear to be + without ambition.” + </p> + <p> + “La Peyrade!” cried Thuillier, rising, and taking the hand of the young + lawyer, “you are a very capable man.” + </p> + <p> + “Not as capable as you, but I have my merits,” said the Provencal, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “If we succeed how shall I ever repay you?” asked Thuillier, naively. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that, indeed! I am afraid you will think me impertinent, but + remember, there is a true feeling in my heart which offers some excuse for + me; in fact, it has given me the spirit to undertake this affair. I love—and + I take you for my confidant.” + </p> + <p> + “But who is it?” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Your dear little Celeste,” replied la Peyrade. “My love for her will be a + pledge to you of my devotion. What would I not do for a <i>father-in-law</i>! + This is pure selfishness; I shall be working for myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” cried Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Eh, my friend!” said la Peyrade, catching Thuillier round the body; “if I + hadn’t Flavie on my side, and if I didn’t know <i>all</i> should I venture + to be talking to you thus? But please say nothing to Flavie about this; + wait till she speaks to you. Listen to me; I’m of the metal that makes + ministers; I do not seek to obtain Celeste until I deserve her. You shall + not be asked to give her to me until the day when your election as a + deputy of Paris is assured. In order to be deputy of Paris, we must get + the better of Minard; and in order to crush Minard you must keep in your + own hands all your means of influence; for that reason use Celeste as a + hope; we’ll play them off, these people, against each other and fool them + all—Madame Colleville and you and I will be persons of importance + one of these days. Don’t think me mercenary. I want Celeste without a + ‘dot,’ with nothing more than her future expectations. To live in your + family with you, to keep my wife in your midst, that is my desire. You see + now that I have no hidden thoughts. As for you, my dear friend, six months + after your election to the municipal council, you will have the cross of + the Legion of honor, and when you are deputy you will be made an officer + of it. As for your speeches in the Chamber—well! we’ll write them + together. Perhaps it would be desirable for you to write a book,—a + serious book on matters half moral and philanthropic, half political; + such, for instance, as charitable institutions considered from the highest + stand-point; or reforms in the pawning system, the abuses of which are + really frightful. Let us fasten some slight distinction to your name; it + will help you,—especially in the arrondissement. Now, I say again, + trust me, believe in me; do not think of taking me into your family until + you have the ribbon in your buttonhole on the morrow of the day when you + take your seat in the Chamber. I’ll do more than that, however; I’ll put + you in the way of making forty thousand francs a year.” + </p> + <p> + “For any one of those three things you shall have our Celeste,” said + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what a pearl she is!” exclaimed la Peyrade, raising his eyes to + heaven. “I have the weakness to pray to God for her every day. She is + charming; she is exactly like you—oh! nonsense; surely you needn’t + caution me! Dutocq told me all. Well, I’ll be with you to-night. I must go + to the Phellions’ now, and begin to work our plan. You don’t need me to + caution you not to let it be known that you are thinking of me for + Celeste; if you do, you’ll cut off my arms and legs. Therefore, silence! + even to Flavie. Wait till she speaks to you herself. Phellion shall + to-night broach the matter of proposing you as candidate for the council.” + </p> + <p> + “To-night?” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to-night,” replied la Peyrade, “unless I don’t find him at home + now.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier departed, saying to himself:— + </p> + <p> + “That’s a very superior man; we shall always understand each other. Faith! + it might be hard to do better for Celeste. They will live with us, as in + our own family, and that’s a good deal! Yes, he’s a fine fellow, a sound + man.” + </p> + <p> + To minds of Thuillier’s calibre, a secondary consideration often assumes + the importance of a principal reason. Theodose had behaved to him with + charming bonhomie. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE WORTHY PHELLIONS + </h2> + <p> + The house to which Theodose de la Peyrade now bent his steps had been the + “hoc erat in votis” of Monsieur Phellion for twenty years; it was the + house of the Phellions, just as much as Cerizet’s frogged coat was the + necessary complement of his personality. + </p> + <p> + This dwelling was stuck against the side of a large house, but only to the + depth of one room (about twenty feet or so), and terminated at each end in + a sort of pavilion with one window. Its chief charm was a garden, one + hundred and eighty feet square, longer than the facade of the house by the + width of a courtyard which opened on the street, and a little clump of + lindens. Beyond the second pavilion, the courtyard had, between itself and + the street, an iron railing, in the centre of which was a little gate + opening in the middle. + </p> + <p> + This building, of rouge stone covered with stucco, and two storeys in + height, had received a coat of yellow-wash; the blinds were painted green, + and so were the shutters on the lower storey. The kitchen occupied the + ground-floor of the pavilion on the courtyard, and the cook, a stout, + strong girl, protected by two enormous dogs, performed the functions of + portress. The facade, composed of five windows, and the two pavilions, + which projected nine feet, were in the style Phellion. Above the door the + master of the house had inserted a tablet of white marble, on which, in + letters of gold, were read the words, “Aurea mediocritas.” Above the + sun-dial, affixed to one panel of the facade, he had also caused to be + inscribed this sapient maxim: “Umbra mea vita, sic!” + </p> + <p> + The former window-sills had recently been superceded by sills of red + Languedoc marble, found in a marble shop. At the bottom of the garden + could be seen a colored statue, intended to lead casual observers to + imagine that a nurse was carrying a child. The ground-floor of the house + contained only the salon and the dining-room, separated from each other by + the well of the staircase and the landing, which formed a sort of + antechamber. At the end of the salon, in the other pavilion, was a little + study occupied by Phellion. + </p> + <p> + On the first upper floor were the rooms of the father and mother and that + of the young professor. Above were the chambers of the children and the + servants; for Phellion, on consideration of his own age and that of his + wife, had set up a male domestic, aged fifteen, his son having by that + time entered upon his duties of tuition. To right, on entering the + courtyard, were little offices where wood was stored, and where the former + proprietor had lodged a porter. The Phellions were no doubt awaiting the + marriage of their son to allow themselves that additional luxury. + </p> + <p> + This property, on which the Phellions had long had their eye, cost them + eighteen thousand francs in 1831. The house was separated from the + courtyard by a balustrade with a base of freestone and a coping of tiles; + this little wall, which was breast-high, was lined with a hedge of Bengal + roses, in the middle of which opened a wooden gate opposite and leading to + the large gates on the street. Those who know the cul-de-sac of the + Feuillantines, will understand that the Phellion house, standing at right + angles to the street, had a southern exposure, and was protected on the + north by the immense wall of the adjoining house, against which the + smaller structure was built. The cupola of the Pantheon and that of the + Val-de-Grace looked from there like two giants, and so diminished the sky + space that, walking in the garden, one felt cramped and oppressed. No + place could be more silent than this blind street. + </p> + <p> + Such was the retreat of the great unknown citizen who was now tasting the + sweets of repose, after discharging his duty to the nation in the ministry + of finance, from which he had retired as registration clerk after a + service of thirty-six years. In 1832 he had led his battalion of the + National Guard to the attack on Saint-Merri, but his neighbors had + previously seen tears in his eyes at the thought of being obliged to fire + on misguided Frenchmen. The affair was already decided by the time his + legion crossed the pont Notre-Dame at a quick step, after debouching by + the flower-market. This noble hesitation won him the respect of his whole + quarter, but he lost the decoration of the Legion of honor; his colonel + told him in a loud voice that, under arms, there was no such thing as + deliberation,—a saying of Louis-Philippe to the National Guard of + Metz. Nevertheless, the bourgeois virtues of Phellion, and the great + respect in which he was held in his own quarter had kept him major of the + battalion for eight years. He was now nearly sixty, and seeing the moment + coming when he must lay off the sword and stock, he hoped that the king + would deign to reward his services by granting him at last the Legion of + honor. + </p> + <p> + Truth compels us to say, in spite of the stain this pettiness will put + upon so fine a character, that Commander Phellion rose upon the tips of + his toes at the receptions in the Tuileries, and did all that he could to + put himself forward, even eyeing the citizen-king perpetually when he + dined at his table. In short, he intrigued in a dumb sort of way; but had + never yet obtained a look in return from the king of his choice. The + worthy man had more than once thought, but was not yet decided, to beg + Monsieur Minard to assist him in obtaining his secret desire. + </p> + <p> + Phellion, a man of passive obedience, was stoical in the matter of duty, + and iron in all that touched his conscience. To complete this picture by a + sketch of his person, we must add that at fifty-nine years of age Phellion + had “thickened,” to use a term of the bourgeois vocabulary. His face, of + one monotonous tone and pitted with the small-pox, had grown to resemble a + full moon; so that his lips, formerly large, now seemed of ordinary size. + His eyes, much weakened, and protected by glasses, no longer showed the + innocence of their light-blue orbs, which in former days had often excited + a smile; his white hair now gave gravity to much that twelve years earlier + had looked like silliness, and lent itself to ridicule. Time, which does + such damage to faces with refined and delicate features, only improves + those which, in their youth, have been course and massive. This was the + case with Phellion. He occupied the leisure of his old age in making an + abridgment of the History of France; for Phellion was the author of + several works adopted by the University. + </p> + <p> + When la Peyrade presented himself, the family were all together. Madame + Barniol was just telling her mother about one of her babies, which was + slightly indisposed. They were dressed in their Sunday clothes, and were + sitting before the fireplace of the wainscoted salon on chairs bought at a + bargain; and they all felt an emotion when Genevieve, the cook and + portress, announced the personage of whom they were just then speaking in + connection with Celeste, whom, we must here state, Felix Phellion loved, + to the extent of going to mass to behold her. The learned mathematician + had made that effort in the morning, and the family were joking him about + it in a pleasant way, hoping in their hearts that Celeste and her parents + might understand the treasure that was thus offered to them. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! the Thuilliers seem to me infatuated with a very dangerous man,” + said Madame Phellion. “He took Madame Colleville by the arm this morning + after church, and they went together to the Luxembourg.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something about that lawyer,” remarked Felix Phellion, “that + strikes me as sinister. He might be found to have committed some crime and + I shouldn’t be surprised.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s going too far,” said old Phellion. “He is cousin-germain to + Tartuffe, that immortal figure cast in bronze by our honest Moliere; for + Moliere, my children, had honesty and patriotism for the basis of his + genius.” + </p> + <p> + It was at that instant that Genevieve came in to say, “There’s a Monsieur + de la Peyrade out there, who wants to see monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + “To see me!” exclaimed Phellion. “Ask him to come in,” he added, with that + solemnity in little things which gave him even now a touch of absurdity, + though it always impressed his family, which accepted him as king. + </p> + <p> + Phellion, his two sons, and his wife and daughter, rose and received the + circular bow made by the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “To what do we owe the honor of your visit, monsieur?” asked Phellion, + stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “To your importance in this arrondissement, my dear Monsieur Phellion, and + to public interests,” replied Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “Then let us go into my study,” said Phellion. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my friend,” said the rigid Madame Phellion, a small woman, flat + as a flounder, who retained upon her features the grim severity with which + she taught music in boarding-schools for young ladies; “we will leave + you.” + </p> + <p> + An upright Erard piano, placed between the two windows and opposite to the + fireplace, showed the constant occupation of a proficient. + </p> + <p> + “Am I so unfortunate as to put you to flight?” said Theodose, smiling in a + kindly way at the mother and daughter. “You have a delightful retreat + here,” he continued. “You only lack a pretty daughter-in-law to pass the + rest of your days in this ‘aurea mediocritas,’ the wish of the Latin poet, + surrounded by family joys. Your antecedents, my dear Monsieur Phellion, + ought surely to win you such rewards, for I am told that you are not only + a patriot but a good citizen.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said Phellion, embarrassed, “monsieur, I have only done my + duty.” At the word “daughter-in-law,” uttered by Theodose, Madame Barniol, + who resembled her mother as much as one drop of water is like another, + looked at Madame Phellion and at Felix as if she would say, “Were we + mistaken?” + </p> + <p> + The desire to talk this incident over carried all four personages into the + garden, for, in March, 1840, the weather was spring-like, at least in + Paris. + </p> + <p> + “Commander,” said Theodose, as soon as he was alone with Phellion, who was + always flattered by that title, “I have come to speak to you about the + election—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, true; we are about to nominate a municipal councillor,” said + Phellion, interrupting him. + </p> + <p> + “And it is apropos of that candidacy that I have come to disturb your + Sunday joys; but perhaps in so doing we shall not go beyond the limits of + the family circle.” + </p> + <p> + It would be impossible for Phellion to be more Phellion than Theodose was + Phellion at that moment. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not let you say another word,” replied the commander, profiting + by the pause made by Theodose, who watched for the effect of his speech. + “My choice is made.” + </p> + <p> + “We have had the same idea!” exclaimed Theodose; “men of the same + character agree as well as men of the same mind.” + </p> + <p> + “In this case I do not believe in that phenomenon,” replied Phellion. + “This arrondissement had for its representative in the municipal council + the most virtuous of men, as he was the noblest of magistrates. I allude + to the late Monsieur Popinot, the deceased judge of the Royal courts. When + the question of replacing him came up, his nephew, the heir to his + benevolence, did not reside in this quarter. He has since, however, + purchased, and now occupies, the house where his uncle lived in the rue de + la Montagne-Sainte-Genevieve; he is the physician of the Ecole + Polytechnique and that of our hospitals; he does honor to this quarter; + for these reasons, and to pay homage in the person of the nephew to the + memory of the uncle, we have decided to nominate Doctor Horace Bianchon, + member of the Academy of Sciences, as you are aware, and one of the most + distinguished young men in the illustrious faculty of Paris. A man is not + great in our eyes solely because he is celebrated; to my mind the late + Councillor Popinot was almost another Saint Vincent de Paul.” + </p> + <p> + “But a doctor is not an administrator,” replied Theodose; “and, besides, I + have come to ask your vote for a man to whom your dearest interests + require that you should sacrifice a predilection, which, after all, is + quite unimportant to the public welfare.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur!” cried Phellion, rising and striking an attitude like that of + Lafon in “Le Glorieux,” “Do you despise me sufficiently to suppose that my + personal interests could ever influence my political conscience? When a + matter concerns the public welfare, I am a citizen—nothing more, and + nothing less.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose smiled to himself at the thought of the battle which was now to + take place between the father and the citizen. + </p> + <p> + “Do not bind yourself to your present ideas, I entreat you,” he said, “for + this matter concerns the happiness of your dear Felix.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by those words?” asked Phellion, stopping short in the + middle of the salon and posing, with his hand thrust through the bosom of + his waistcoat from right to left, in the well-known attitude of Odilon + Barrot. + </p> + <p> + “I have come in behalf of our mutual friend, the worthy and excellent + Monsieur Thuillier, whose influence on the destiny of that beautiful + Celeste Colleville must be well known to you. If, as I think, your son, + whose merits are incontestable, and of whom both families may well be + proud, if, I say, he is courting Celeste with a view to a marriage in + which all expediencies may be combined, you cannot do more to promote that + end than to obtain Thuillier’s eternal gratitude by proposing your worthy + friend to the suffrages of your fellow-citizens. As for me, though I have + lately come into the quarter, I can, thanks to the influence I enjoy + through certain legal benefits done to the poor, materially advance his + interests. I might, perhaps, have put myself forward for this position; + but serving the poor brings in but little money; and, besides, the modesty + of my life is out of keeping with such distinctions. I have devoted + myself, monsieur, to the service of the weak, like the late Councillor + Popinot,—a sublime man, as you justly remarked. If I had not already + chosen a career which is in some sort monastic, and precludes all idea of + marriage and public office, my taste, my second vocation, would lead me to + the service of God, to the Church. I do not trumpet what I do, like the + philanthropists; I do not write about it; I simply act; I am pledged to + Christian charity. The ambition of our friend Thuillier becoming known to + me, I have wished to contribute to the happiness of two young people who + seem to me made for each other, by suggesting to you the means of winning + the rather cold heart of Monsieur Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + Phellion was bewildered by this tirade, admirably delivered; he was + dazzled, attracted; but he remained Phellion; he walked up to the lawyer + and held out his hand, which la Peyrade took. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said the commander, with emotion, “I have misjudged you. What + you have done me the honor to confide to me will die <i>there</i>,” laying + his hand on his heart. “You are one of the men of whom we have too few,—men + who console us for many evils inherent in our social state. Righteousness + is seen so seldom that our too feeble natures distrust appearances. You + have in me a friend, if you will allow me the honor of assuming that + title. But you must learn to know me, monsieur. I should lose my own + esteem if I nominated Thuillier. No, my son shall never own his happiness + to an evil action on his father’s part. I shall not change my candidate + because my son’s interests demand it. That is civic virtue, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade pulled out his handkerchief and rubbed it in his eye so that it + drew a tear, as he said, holding out his hand to Phellion, and turning + aside his head:— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur, how sublime a struggle between public and private duty! Had + I come here only to see this sight, my visit would not have been wasted. + You cannot do otherwise! In your place, I should do the same. You are that + noblest thing that God has made—a righteous man! a citizen of the + Jean-Jacques type! With many such citizens, oh France! my country! what + mightest thou become! It is I, monsieur, who solicit, humbly, the honor to + be your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “What can be happening?” said Madame Phellion, watching the scene through + the window. “Do see your father and that horrid man embracing each other.” + </p> + <p> + Phellion and la Peyrade now came out and joined the family in the garden. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Felix,” said the old man, pointing to la Peyrade, who was bowing + to Madame Phellion, “be very grateful to that admirable young man; he will + prove most useful to you.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer walked for about five minutes with Madame Barniol and Madame + Phellion beneath the leafless lindens, and gave them (in consequence of + the embarrassing circumstances created by Phellion’s political obstinacy) + a piece of advice, the effects of which were to bear fruit that evening, + while its first result was to make both ladies admire his talents, his + frankness, and his inappreciable good qualities. When the lawyer departed + the whole family conducted him to the street gate, and all eyes followed + him until he had turned the corner of the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques. + Madame Phellion then took the arm of her husband to return to the salon, + saying:— + </p> + <p> + “Hey! my friend! what does this mean? You, such a good father, how can + you, from excessive delicacy, stand in the way of such a fine marriage for + our Felix?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” replied Phellion, “the great men of antiquity, Brutus and + others, were never fathers when called upon to be citizens. The + bourgeoisie has, even more than the aristocracy whose place it has been + called upon to take, the obligations of the highest virtues. Monsieur de + Saint-Hilaire did not think of his lost arm in presence of the dead + Turenne. We must give proof of our worthiness; let us give it at every + state of the social hierarchy. Shall I instruct my family in the highest + civic principles only to ignore them myself at the moment for applying + them? No, my dear; weep, if you must, to-day, but to-morrow you will + respect me,” he added, seeing tears in the eyes of his starched better + half. + </p> + <p> + These noble words were said on the sill of the door, above which was + written, “Aurea mediocritas.” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to have put, ‘et digna,’” added Phellion, pointing to the tablet, + “but those two words would imply self-praise.” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Marie-Theodore Phellion, the future engineer of “ponts et + chaussees,” when the family were once more seated in the salon, “it seems + to me that there is nothing dishonorable in changing one’s determination + about a choice which is of no real consequence to public welfare.” + </p> + <p> + “No consequence, my son!” cried Phellion. “Between ourselves I will say, + and Felix shares my opinion, Monsieur Thuillier is absolutely without + capacity; he knows nothing. Monsieur Horace Bianchon is an able man; he + will obtain a thousand things for our arrondissement, and Thuillier will + obtain none! Remember this, my son; to change a good determination for a + bad one from motives of self-interest is one of those infamous actions + which escape the control of men but are punished by God. I am, or I think + I am, void of all blame before my conscience, and I owe it to you, my + children, to leave my memory unstained among you. Nothing, therefore, can + make me change my determination.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my good father!” cried the little Barniol woman, flinging herself on + a cushion at Phellion’s knees, “don’t ride your high horse! There are many + fools and idiots in the municipal council, and France gets along all the + same. That old Thuillier will adopt the opinions of those about him. Do + reflect that Celeste will probably have five hundred thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + “She might have millions,” said Phellion, “and I might see them there at + my feet before I would propose Thuillier, when I owe to the memory of the + best of men to nominate, if possible, Horace Bianchon, his nephew. From + the heaven above us Popinot is contemplating and applauding me!” cried + Phellion, with exaltation. “It is by such considerations as you suggest + that France is being lowered, and the bourgeoisie are bringing themselves + into contempt.” + </p> + <p> + “My father is right,” said Felix, coming out of a deep reverie. “He + deserves our respect and love; as he has throughout the whole course of + his modest and honored life. I would not owe my happiness either to + remorse in his noble soul, or to a low political bargain. I love Celeste + as I love my own family; but, above all that, I place my father’s honor, + and since this question is a matter of conscience with him it must not be + spoken of again.” + </p> + <p> + Phellion, with his eyes full of tears, went up to his eldest son and took + him in his arms, saying, “My son! my son!” in a choking voice. + </p> + <p> + “All that is nonsense,” whispered Madame Phellion in Madame Barniol’s ear. + “Come and dress me; I shall make an end of this; I know your father; he + has put his foot down now. To carry out the plan that pious young man, + Theodose, suggested, I want your help; hold yourself ready to give it, my + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment, Genevieve came in and gave a letter to Monsieur Phellion. + </p> + <p> + “An invitation for dinner to-day, for Madame Phellion and Felix and + myself, at the Thuilliers’,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The magnificent and surprising idea of Thuillier’s municipal advancement, + put forth by the “advocate of the poor” was not less upsetting in the + Thuillier household than it was in the Phellion salon. Jerome Thuillier, + without actually confiding anything to his sister, for he made it a point + of honor to obey his Mephistopheles, had rushed to her in great excitement + to say:— + </p> + <p> + “My dearest girl” (he always touched her heart with those caressing + words), “we shall have some big-wigs at dinner to-day. I’m going to ask + the Minards; therefore take pains about your dinner. I have written to + Monsieur and Madame Phellion; it is rather late; but there’s no need of + ceremony with them. As for the Minards, I must throw a little dust in + their eyes; I have a particular need of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Four Minards, three Phellions, four Collevilles, and ourselves; that + makes thirteen—” + </p> + <p> + “La Peyrade, fourteen; and it is worth while to invite Dutocq; he may be + useful to us. I’ll go up and see him.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you scheming?” cried his sister. “Fifteen to dinner! There’s + forty francs, at the very least, waltzing off.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t regret them, my dearest. I want you to be particularly + agreeable to our young friend, la Peyrade. There’s a friend, indeed! + you’ll soon have proofs of that! If you love me, cosset him well.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he departed, leaving Brigitte bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Proofs, indeed! yes, I’ll look out for proofs,” she said. “I’m not to be + caught with fine words, not I! He is an amiable fellow; but before I take + him into my heart I shall study him a little closer.” + </p> + <p> + After inviting Dutocq, Thuillier, having bedizened himself, went to the + hotel Minard, rue des Macons-Sorbonne, to capture the stout Zelie, and + gloss over the shortness of the invitation. + </p> + <p> + Minard had purchased one of those large and sumptuous habitations which + the old religious orders built about the Sorbonne, and as Thuillier + mounted the broad stone steps with an iron balustrade, that proved how + arts of the second class flourished under Louis XIII., he envied both the + mansion and its occupant,—the mayor. + </p> + <p> + This vast building, standing between a courtyard and garden, is noticeable + as a specimen of the style, both noble and elegant, of the reign of Louis + XIII., coming singularly, as it did, between the bad taste of the expiring + renaissance and the heavy grandeur of Louis XIV., at its dawn. This + transition period is shown in many public buildings. The massive + scroll-work of several facades—that of the Sorbonne, for instance,—and + columns rectified according to the rules of Grecian art, were beginning to + appear in this architecture. + </p> + <p> + A grocer, a lucky adulterator, now took the place of the former + ecclesiastical governor of an institution called in former times + L’Economat; an establishment connected with the general agency of the old + French clergy, and founded by the long-sighted genius of Richelieu. + Thuillier’s name opened for him the doors of the salon, where sat + enthroned in velvet and gold, amid the most magnificent “Chineseries,” the + poor woman who weighed with all her avoirdupois on the hearts and minds of + princes and princesses at the “popular balls” of the palace. + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t she a good subject for ‘La Caricature’?” said a so-called lady of + the bedchamber to a duchess, who could hardly help laughing at the aspect + of Zelie, glittering with diamonds, red as a poppy, squeezed into a gold + brocade, and rolling along like the casts of her former shop. + </p> + <p> + “Will you pardon me, fair lady,” began Thuillier, twisting his body, and + pausing in pose number two of his imperial repertory, “for having allowed + this invitation to remain in my desk, thinking, all the while, that it was + sent? It is for to-day, but perhaps I am too late?” + </p> + <p> + Zelie examined her husband’s face as he approached them to receive + Thuillier; then she said:— + </p> + <p> + “We intended to drive into the country and dine at some chance restaurant; + but we’ll give up that idea and all the more readily because, in my + opinion, it is getting devilishly vulgar to drive out of Paris on + Sundays.” + </p> + <p> + “We will have a little dance to the piano for the young people, if enough + come, as I hope they will. I have sent a line to Phellion, whose wife is + intimate with Madame Pron, the successor—” + </p> + <p> + “Successor<i>ess</i>,” interrupted Madame Minard. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Thuillier, “it ought to be success’ress; just as we say + may’ress, dropping the O, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it full dress?” asked Madame Minard. + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! no,” replied Thuillier; “you would get me finely scolded by my + sister. No, it is only a family party. Under the Empire, madame, we all + devoted ourselves to dancing. At that great epoch of our national life + they thought as much of a fine dancer as they did of a good soldier. + Nowadays the country is so matter-of-fact.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we won’t talk politics,” said the mayor, smiling. “The King is + grand; he is very able. I have a deep admiration for my own time, and for + the institutions which we have given to ourselves. The King, you may be + sure, knows very well what he is doing by the development of industries. + He is struggling hand to hand against England; and we are doing him more + harm during this fruitful peace than all the wars of the Empire would have + done.” + </p> + <p> + “What a deputy Minard would make!” cried Zelie, naively. “He practises + speechifying at home. You’ll help us to get him elected, won’t you, + Thuillier?” + </p> + <p> + “We won’t talk politics now,” replied Thuillier. “Come at five.” + </p> + <p> + “Will that little Vinet be there?” asked Minard; “he comes, no doubt, for + Celeste.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he may go into mourning,” replied Thuillier. “Brigitte won’t hear of + him.” + </p> + <p> + Zelie and Minard exchanged a smile of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “To think that we must hob-nob with such common people, all for the sake + of our son!” cried Zelie, when Thuillier was safely down the staircase, to + which the mayor had accompanied him. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! he thinks to be deputy!” thought Thuillier, as he walked away. “These + grocers! nothing satisfies them. Heavens! what would Napoleon say if he + could see the government in the hands of such people! I’m a trained + administrator, at any rate. What a competitor, to be sure! I wonder what + la Peyrade will say?” + </p> + <p> + The ambitious ex-beau now went to invite the whole Laudigeois family for + the evening, after which he went to the Collevilles’, to make sure that + Celeste should wear a becoming gown. He found Flavie rather pensive. She + hesitated about coming, but Thuillier overcame her indecision. + </p> + <p> + “My old and ever young friend,” he said, taking her round the waist, for + she was alone in her little salon, “I won’t have any secret from you. A + great affair is in the wind for me. I can’t tell you more than that, but I + can ask you to be particularly charming to a certain young man—” + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” + </p> + <p> + “La Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Charles?” + </p> + <p> + “He holds my future in his hands. Besides, he’s a man of genius. I know + what that is. He’s got this sort of thing,”—and Thuillier made the + gesture of a dentist pulling out a back tooth. “We must bind him to us, + Flavie. But, above all, don’t let him see his power. As for me, I shall + just give and take with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to be coquettish?” + </p> + <p> + “Not too much so, my angel,” replied Thuillier, with a foppish air. + </p> + <p> + And he departed, not observing the stupor which overcame Flavie. + </p> + <p> + “That young man is a power,” she said to herself. “Well, we shall see!” + </p> + <p> + For these reasons she dressed her hair with marabouts, put on her + prettiest gown of gray and pink, which allowed her fine shoulders to be + seen beneath a pelerine of black lace, and took care to keep Celeste in a + little silk frock made with a yoke and a large plaited collarette, telling + her to dress her hair plainly, a la Berthe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. AD MAJOREM THEODOSIS GLORIAM + </h2> + <p> + At half-past four o’clock Theodose was at his post. He had put on his + vacant, half-servile manner and soft voice, and he drew Thuillier at once + into the garden. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” he said, “I don’t doubt your triumph, but I feel the + necessity of again warning you to be absolutely silent. If you are + questioned about anything, especially about Celeste, make evasive answers + which will keep your questioners in suspense. You must have learned how to + do that in a government office.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand!” said Thuillier. “But what certainty have you?” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll see what a fine dessert I have prepared for you. But please be + modest. There come the Minards; let me pipe to them. Bring them out here, + and then disappear yourself.” + </p> + <p> + After the first salutations, la Peyrade was careful to keep close to the + mayor, and presently at an opportune moment he drew him aside to say:— + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur le maire, a man of your political importance doesn’t come to + bore himself in a house of this kind without an object. I don’t want to + fathom your motives—which, indeed, I have no right to do—and + my part in this world is certainly not to mingle with earthly powers; but + please pardon my apparent presumption, and deign to listen to a piece of + advice which I shall venture to give you. If I do you a service to-day you + are in a position to return it to me to-morrow; therefore, in case I + should be so fortunate as to do you a good turn, I am really only obeying + the law of self-interest. Our friend Thuillier is in despair at being a + nobody; he has taken it into his head that he wants to become a personage + in this arrondissement—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! ah!” exclaimed Minard. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! nothing very exalted; he wants to be elected to the municipal + council. Now, I know that Phellion, seeing the influence such a service + would have on his family interests, intends to propose your poor friend as + candidate. Well, perhaps you might think it wise, in your own interests, + to be beforehand with him. Thuillier’s nomination could only be favorable + for you—I mean agreeable; and he’ll fill his place in the council + very well; there are some there who are not as strong as he. Besides, + owing to his place to your support, he will see with your eyes; he already + looks to you as one of the lights of the town.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, I thank you very much,” replied Minard. “You are doing me + a service I cannot sufficiently acknowledge, and which proves to me—” + </p> + <p> + “That I don’t like those Phellions,” said la Peyrade, taking advantage of + a slight hesitation on the part of the mayor, who feared to express an + idea in which the lawyer might see contempt. “I hate people who make + capital out of their honesty and coin money from fine sentiments.” + </p> + <p> + “You know them well,” said Minard; “they are sycophants. That man’s whole + life for the last ten years is explained by this bit of red ribbon,” added + the mayor, pointing to his own buttonhole. + </p> + <p> + “Take care!” said the lawyer, “his son is in love with Celeste, and he’s + fairly in the heart of the family.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but my son has twelve thousand a year in his own right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Theodose, with a start, “Mademoiselle Brigitte was saying the + other day that she wanted at least as much as that in Celeste’s suitor. + Moreover, six months hence you’ll probably hear that Thuillier has a + property worth forty thousand francs a year.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil! well, I thought as much. Yes, certainly, he shall be made a + member of the municipal council.” + </p> + <p> + “In any case, don’t say anything about me to him,” said the advocate of + the poor, who now hastened away to speak to Madame Phellion. “Well, my + fair lady,” he said, when he reached her, “have you succeeded?” + </p> + <p> + “I waited till four o’clock, and then that worthy and excellent man would + not let me finish what I had to say. He is much to busy to accept such an + office, and he sent a letter which Monsieur Phellion has read, saying that + he, Doctor Bianchon, thanked him for his good intentions, and assured him + that his own candidate was Monsieur Thuillier. He said that he should use + all his influence in his favor, and begged my husband to do the same.” + </p> + <p> + “And what did your excellent husband say?” + </p> + <p> + “‘I have done my duty,’ he said. ‘I have not been false to my conscience, + and now I am all for Thuillier.’” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, the thing is settled,” said la Peyrade. “Ignore my visit, and + take all the credit of the idea to yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Then he went to Madame Colleville, composing himself in the attitude and + manner of the deepest respect. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” he said, “have the goodness to send out to me here that kindly + papa Colleville. A surprise is to be given to Monsieur Thuillier, and I + want Monsieur Colleville to be in the secret.” + </p> + <p> + While la Peyrade played the part of man of the world with Colleville, and + allowed himself various witty sarcasms when explaining to him Thuillier’s + candidacy, telling him he ought to support it, if only to exhibit his + incapacity, Flavie was listening in the salon to the following + conversation, which bewildered her for the moment and made her ears ring. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know what Monsieur Colleville and Monsieur de la Peyrade + can be saying to each other to make them laugh like that,” said Madame + Thuillier, foolishly, looking out of the window. + </p> + <p> + “A lot of improper things, as men always do when they talk together,” + replied Mademoiselle Thuillier, who often attacked men with the sort of + instinct natural to old maids. + </p> + <p> + “No, they are incapable of that,” said Phellion, gravely. “Monsieur de la + Peyrade is one of the most virtuous young men I have ever met. People know + what I think of Felix; well, I put the two on the same line; indeed, I + wish my son had a little more of Monsieur de la Peyrade’s beautiful + piety.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right; he is a man of great merit, who is sure to succeed,” said + Minard. “As for me, my suffrages—for I really ought not to say + protection—are his.” + </p> + <p> + “He pays more for oil than for bread,” said Dutocq. “I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “His mother, if he has the happiness to still possess her, must be proud + of him,” remarked Madame Thuillier, sententiously. + </p> + <p> + “He is a real treasure for us,” said Thuillier. “If you only knew how + modest he is! He doesn’t do himself justice.” + </p> + <p> + “I can answer for one thing,” added Dutocq; “no young man ever maintained + a nobler attitude in poverty; he triumphed over it; but he suffered—it + is easy to see that.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor young man!” cried Zelie. “Such things make my heart ache!” + </p> + <p> + “Any one could safely trust both secrets and fortune to him,” said + Thuillier; “and in these days that is the finest thing that can be said of + a man.” + </p> + <p> + “It is Colleville who is making him laugh,” cried Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + Just then Colleville and la Peyrade returned from the garden the very best + friends in the world. + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs,” said Brigitte, “the soup and the King must never be kept + waiting; give your hand to the ladies.” + </p> + <p> + Five minutes after this little pleasantry (issuing from the lodge of her + father the porter) Brigitte had the satisfaction of seeing her table + surrounded by the principal personages of this drama; the rest, with the + one exception of the odious Cerizet, arrived later. + </p> + <p> + The portrait of the former maker of canvas money-bags would be incomplete + if we omitted to give a description of one of her best dinners. The + physiognomy of the bourgeois cook of 1840 is, moreover, one of those + details essentially necessary to a history of manners and customs, and + clever housewives may find some lessons in it. A woman doesn’t make empty + bags for twenty years without looking out for the means to fill a few of + them. Now Brigitte had one peculiar characteristic. She united the economy + to which she owed her fortune with a full understanding of necessary + expenses. Her relative prodigality, when it concerned her brother or + Celeste, was the antipodes of avarice. In fact, she often bemoaned herself + that she couldn’t be miserly. At her last dinner she had related how, + after struggling ten minute and enduring martyrdom, she had ended by + giving ten francs to a poor workwoman whom she knew, positively, had been + without food for two days. + </p> + <p> + “Nature,” she said naively, “is stronger than reason.” + </p> + <p> + The soup was a rather pale bouillon; for, even on an occasion like this, + the cook had been enjoined to make a great deal of bouillon out of the + beef supplied. Then, as the said beef was to feed the family on the next + day and the day after that, the less juice it expended in the bouillon, + the more substantial were the subsequent dinners. The beef, little cooked, + was always taken away at the following speech from Brigitte, uttered as + soon as Thuillier put his knife into it:— + </p> + <p> + “I think it is rather tough; send it away, Thuillier, nobody will eat it; + we have other things.” + </p> + <p> + The soup was, in fact, flanked by four viands mounted on old hot-water + chafing-dishes, with the plating worn off. At this particular dinner + (afterwards called that of the candidacy) the first course consisted of a + pair of ducks with olives, opposite to which was a large pie with + forcemeat balls, while a dish of eels “a la tartare” corresponded in like + manner with a fricandeau on chicory. The second course had for its central + dish a most dignified goose stuffed with chestnuts, a salad of vegetables + garnished with rounds of beetroot opposite to custards in cups, while + lower down a dish of turnips “au sucre” faced a timbale of macaroni. This + gala dinner of the concierge type cost, at the utmost, twenty francs, and + the remains of the feast provided the household for a couple of days; + nevertheless, Brigitte would say:— + </p> + <p> + “Pest! when one has to have company how the money goes! It is fearful!” + </p> + <p> + The table was lighted by two hideous candlesticks of plated silver with + four branches each, in which shone eight of those thrifty wax-candles that + go by the name of Aurora. The linen was dazzling in whiteness, and the + silver, with beaded edges, was the fruit, evidently, of some purchase made + during the Revolution by Thuillier’s father. Thus the fare and the service + were in keeping with the house, the dining-room, and the Thuilliers + themselves, who could never, under any circumstances, get themselves above + this style of living. The Minards, Collevilles, and la Peyrade exchanged + now and then a smile which betrayed their mutually satirical but repressed + thoughts. La Peyrade, seated beside Flavie, whispered in her ear:— + </p> + <p> + “You must admit that they ought to be taught how to live. But those + Minards are no better in their way. What cupidity! they’ve come here + solely after Celeste. Your daughter will be lost to you if you let them + have her. These parvenus have all the vices of the great lords of other + days without their elegance. Minard’s son, who has twelve thousand francs + a year of his own, could very well find a wife elsewhere, instead of + pushing his speculating rake in here. What fun it would be to play upon + those people as one would on a bass-viol or a clarionet!” + </p> + <p> + While the dishes of the second course were being removed, Minard, afraid + that Phellion would precede him, said to Thuillier with a grave air:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Thuillier, in accepting your dinner, I did so for the purpose of + making an important communication, which does you so much honor that all + here present ought to be made participants in it.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier turned pale. + </p> + <p> + “Have you obtained the cross for me?” he cried, on receiving a glance from + Theodose, and wishing to prove that he was not without craft. + </p> + <p> + “You will doubtless receive it ere long,” replied the mayor. “But the + matter now relates to something better than that. The cross is a favor due + to the good opinion of a minister, whereas the present question concerns + an election due to the consent of your fellow citizens. In a word, a + sufficiently large number of electors in your arrondissement have cast + their eyes upon you, and wish to honor you with their confidence by making + you the representative of this arrondissement in the municipal council of + Paris; which, as everybody knows, is the Council-general of the Seine.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo!” cried Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + Phellion rose. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur le maire has forestalled me,” he said in an agitated voice, “but + it is so flattering for our friend to be the object of eagerness on the + part of all good citizens, and to obtain the public vote of high and low, + that I cannot complain of being obliged to come second only; therefore, + all honor to the initiatory authority!” (Here he bowed respectfully to + Minard.) “Yes, Monsieur Thuillier, many electors think of giving you their + votes in that portion of the arrondissement where I keep my humble + penates; and you have the special advantage of being suggested to their + minds by a distinguished man.” (Sensation.) “By a man in whose person we + desired to honor one of the most virtuous inhabitants of the + arrondissement, who for twenty years, I may say, was the father of it. I + allude to the late Monsieur Popinot, counsellor, during his lifetime, to + the Royal court, and our delegate in the municipal council of Paris. But + his nephew, of whom I speak, Doctor Bianchon, one of our glories, has, in + view of his absorbing duties, declined the responsibility with which we + sought to invest him. While thanking us for our compliment he has—take + note of this—indicated for our suffrages the candidate of Monsieur + le maire as being, in his opinion, capable, owing to the position he + formerly occupied, of exercising the magisterial functions of the + aedileship.” + </p> + <p> + And Phellion sat down amid approving murmurs. + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier, you can count on me, your old friend,” said Colleville. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the guests were sincerely touched by the sight presented of + old Mademoiselle Brigitte and Madame Thuillier. Brigitte, pale as though + she were fainting, was letting the slow tears run, unheeded, down her + cheeks, tears of deepest joy; while Madame Thuillier sat, as if struck by + lightning, with her eyes fixed. Suddenly the old maid darted into the + kitchen, crying out to Josephine the cook:— + </p> + <p> + “Come into the cellar my girl, we must get out the wine behind the wood!” + </p> + <p> + “My friends,” said Thuillier, in a shaking voice, “this is the finest + moment of my life, finer than even the day of my election, should I + consent to allow myself to be presented to the suffrages of my + fellow-citizens” (“You must! you must!”); “for I feel myself much worn + down by thirty years of public service, and, as you may well believe, a + man of honor has need to consult his strength and his capacities before he + takes upon himself the functions of the aedileship.” + </p> + <p> + “I expected nothing less of you, Monsieur Thuillier,” cried Phellion. + “Pardon me; this is the first time in my life that I have ever interrupted + a superior; but there are circumstances—” + </p> + <p> + “Accept! accept!” cried Zelie. “Bless my soul! what we want are men like + you to govern us.” + </p> + <p> + “Resign yourself, my chief!” cried Dutocq, and, “Long live the future + municipal councillor! but we haven’t anything to drink—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the thing is settled,” said Minard; “you are to be our candidate.” + </p> + <p> + “You think too much of me,” replied Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come!” cried Colleville. “A man who has done thirty years in the + galleys of the ministry of finance is a treasure to the town.” + </p> + <p> + “You are much too modest,” said the younger Minard; “your capacity is well + known to us; it remains a tradition at the ministry of finance.” + </p> + <p> + “As you all insist—” began Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “The King will be pleased with our choice; I can assure you of that,” said + Minard, pompously. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said la Peyrade, “will you permit a recent dweller in the + faubourg Saint-Jacques to make one little remark, which is not without + importance?” + </p> + <p> + The consciousness that everybody had of the sterling merits of the + advocate of the poor produced the deepest silence. + </p> + <p> + “The influence of Monsieur le maire of an adjoining arrondissement, which + is immense in ours where he has left such excellent memories; that of + Monsieur Phellion, the oracle—yes, let the truth be spoken,” he + exclaimed, noticing a gesture made by Phellion—“the <i>oracle</i> of + his battalion; the influence, no less powerful, which Monsieur Colleville + owes to the frank heartiness of his manner, and to his urbanity; that of + Monsieur Dutocq, the clerk of the justice court, which will not be less + efficacious, I am sure; and the poor efforts which I can offer in my + humble sphere of activity,—are pledges of success, but they are not + success itself. To obtain a rapid triumph we should pledge ourselves, now + and here, to keep the deepest secrecy on the manifestation of sentiments + which has just taken place. Otherwise, we should excite, without knowing + or willing it, envy and all the other secondary passions, which would + create for us later various obstacles to overcome. The political meaning + of the new social organization, its very basis, its token, and the + guarantee for its continuance, are in a certain sharing of the governing + power with the middle classes, classes who are the true strength of modern + societies, the centre of morality, of all good sentiments and intelligent + work. But we cannot conceal from ourselves that the principle of election, + extended now to almost every function, has brought the interests of + ambition, and the passion for being <i>something</i>, excuse the word, + into social depths where they ought never to have penetrated. Some see + good in this; others see evil; it is not my place to judge between them in + presence of minds before whose eminence I bow. I content myself by simply + suggesting this question in order to show the dangers which the banner of + our friend must meet. See for yourselves! the decease of our late + honorable representative in the municipal council dates back scarcely one + week, and already the arrondissement is being canvassed by inferior + ambitions. Such men put themselves forward to be seen at any price. The + writ of convocation will, probably, not take effect for a month to come. + Between now and then, imagine the intrigues! I entreat you not to expose + our friend Thuillier to the blows of his competitors; let us not deliver + him over to public discussion, that modern harpy which is but the trumpet + of envy and calumny, the pretext seized by malevolence to belittle all + that is great, soil all that is immaculate and dishonor whatever is + sacred. Let us, rather, do as the Third Party is now doing in the Chamber,—keep + silence and vote!” + </p> + <p> + “He speaks well,” said Phellion to his neighbor Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + “And how strong the statement is!” + </p> + <p> + Envy had turned Minard and his son green and yellow. + </p> + <p> + “That is well said and very true,” remarked Minard. + </p> + <p> + “Unanimously adopted!” cried Colleville. “Messieurs, we are men of honor; + it suffices to understand each other on this point.” + </p> + <p> + “Whoso desires the end accepts the means,” said Phellion, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, Mademoiselle Thuillier reappeared, followed by her two + servants; the key of the cellar was hanging from her belt, and three + bottles of champagne, three of hermitage, and one bottle of malaga were + placed upon the table. She herself was carrying, with almost respectful + care, a smaller bottle, like a fairy Carabosse, which she placed before + her. In the midst of the hilarity caused by this abundance of excellent + things—a fruit of gratitude, which the poor spinster in the delirium + of her joy poured out with a profusion which put to shame the sparing + hospitality of her usual fortnightly dinners—numerous dessert dishes + made their appearance: mounds of almonds, raisins, figs, and nuts + (popularly known as the “four beggars”), pyramids of oranges, confections, + crystallized fruits, brought from the hidden depths of her cupboards, + which would never have figured on the table-cloth had it not been for the + “candidacy.” + </p> + <p> + “Celeste, they will bring you a bottle of brandy which my father obtained + in 1802; make an orange-salad!” cried Brigitte to her sister-in-law. + “Monsieur Phellion, open the champagne; that bottle is for you three. + Monsieur Dutocq, take this one. Monsieur Colleville, you know how to pop + corks!” + </p> + <p> + The two maids distributed champagne glasses, also claret glasses, and wine + glasses. Josephine also brought three more bottles of Bordeaux. + </p> + <p> + “The year of the comet!” cried Thuillier, laughing, “Messieurs, you have + turned my sister’s head.” + </p> + <p> + “And this evening you shall have punch and cakes,” she said. “I have sent + to the chemists for some tea. Heavens! if I had only known the affair + concerned an election,” she cried, looking at her sister-in-law, “I’d have + served the turkey.” + </p> + <p> + A general laugh welcomed this speech. + </p> + <p> + “We have a goose!” said Minard junior. + </p> + <p> + “The carts are unloading!” cried Madame Thuillier, as “marrons glaces” and + “meringues” were placed upon the table. + </p> + <p> + Mademoiselle Thuillier’s face was blazing. She was really superb to + behold. Never did sisterly love assume such a frenzied expression. + </p> + <p> + “To those who know her, it is really touching,” remarked Madame + Colleville. + </p> + <p> + The glasses were filled. The guests all looked at one another, evidently + expecting a toast, whereupon la Peyrade said:— + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs, let us drink to something sublime.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody looked curious. + </p> + <p> + “To Mademoiselle Brigitte!” + </p> + <p> + They all rose, clinked glasses, and cried with one voice, “Mademoiselle + Brigitte!” so much enthusiasm did the exhibition of a true feeling excite. + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs,” said Phellion, reading from a paper written in pencil, “To + work and its splendors, in the person of our former comrade, now become + one of the mayors of Paris,—to Monsieur Minard and his wife!” + </p> + <p> + After five minutes’ general conversation Thuillier rose and said:— + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs, To the King and the royal family! I add nothing; the toast + says all.” + </p> + <p> + “To the election of my brother!” said Mademoiselle Thuillier a moment + later. + </p> + <p> + “Now I’ll make you laugh,” whispered la Peyrade in Flavie’s ear. + </p> + <p> + And he rose. + </p> + <p> + “To Woman!” he said; “that enchanting sex to whom we owe our happiness,—not + to speak of our mothers, our sisters, and our wives!” + </p> + <p> + This toast excited general hilarity, and Colleville, already somewhat gay, + exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Rascal! you have stolen my speech!” + </p> + <p> + The mayor then rose; profound silence reigned. + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs, our institutions! from which come the strength and grandeur of + dynastic France!” + </p> + <p> + The bottles disappeared amid a chorus of admiration as to the marvellous + goodness and delicacy of their contents. + </p> + <p> + Celeste Colleville here said timidly:— + </p> + <p> + “Mamma, will you permit me to give a toast?” + </p> + <p> + The good girl had noticed the dull, bewildered look of her godmother, + neglected and forgotten,—she, the mistress of that house, wearing + almost the expression of a dog that is doubtful which master to obey, + looking from the face of her terrible sister-in-law to that of Thuillier, + consulting each countenance, and oblivious of herself; but joy on the face + of that poor helot, accustomed to be nothing, to repress her ideas, her + feelings, had the effect of a pale wintry sun behind a mist; it barely + lighted her faded, flabby flesh. The gauze cap trimmed with dingy flowers, + the hair ill-dressed, the gloomy brown gown, with no ornament but a thick + gold chain—all, combined with the expression of her countenance, + stimulated the affection of the young Celeste, who—alone in the + world—knew the value of that woman condemned to silence but aware of + all about her, suffering from all yet consoling herself in God and in the + girl who now was watching her. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, let the dear child give us her little toast,” said la Peyrade to + Madame Colleville. + </p> + <p> + “Go on, my daughter,” cried Colleville; “here’s the hermitage still to be + drunk—and it’s hoary with age,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “To my kind godmother!” said the girl, lowering her glass respectfully + before Madame Thuillier, and holding it towards her. + </p> + <p> + The poor woman, startled, looked through a veil of tears first at her + husband, and then at Brigitte; but her position in the family was so well + known, and the homage paid by innocence to weakness had something so + beautiful about it, that the emotion was general; the men all rose and + bowed to Madame Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Celeste, I would I had a kingdom to lay at your feet,” murmured Felix + Phellion. + </p> + <p> + The worthy Phellion wiped away a tear. Dutocq himself was moved. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the charming child!” cried Mademoiselle Thuillier, rising, and going + round to kiss her sister-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “My turn now!” said Colleville, posing like an athlete. “Now listen: To + friendship! Empty your glasses; refill your glasses. Good! To the fine + arts,—the flower of social life! Empty your glasses; refill your + glasses. To another such festival on the day after election!” + </p> + <p> + “What is that little bottle you have there?” said Dutocq to Mademoiselle + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “That,” she said, “is one of my three bottles of Madame Amphoux’ liqueur; + the second is for the day of Celeste’s marriage; the third for the day on + which her first child is baptized.” + </p> + <p> + “My sister is losing her head,” remarked Thuillier to Colleville. + </p> + <p> + The dinner ended with a toast, offered by Thuillier, but suggested to him + by Theodose at the moment when the malaga sparkled in the little glasses + like so many rubies. + </p> + <p> + “Colleville, messieurs, has drunk to <i>friendship</i>. I now drink, in + this most generous wine, To my friends!” + </p> + <p> + An hurrah, full of heartiness, greeted that fine sentiment, but Dutocq + remarked aside to Theodose:— + </p> + <p> + “It is a shame to pour such wine down the throats of such people.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if we could only make such wine as that!” cried Zelie, making her + glass ring by the way in which she sucked down the Spanish liquid. “What + fortunes we could get!” + </p> + <p> + Zelie had now reached her highest point of incandescence, and was really + alarming. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Minard, “but ours is made.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think, sister,” said Brigitte to Madame Thuillier, “that we had + better take coffee in the salon?” + </p> + <p> + Madame Thuillier obediently assumed the air of mistress of the house, and + rose. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you are a great wizard,” said Flavie Colleville, accepting la + Peyrade’s arm to return to the salon. + </p> + <p> + “And yet I care only to bewitch you,” he answered. “I think you more + enchanting than ever this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier,” she said, to evade the subject, “Thuillier made to think + himself a political character! oh! oh!” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear Flavie, half the absurdities of life are the result of such + conspiracies; and men are not alone in these deceptions. In how many + families one sees the husband, children, and friends persuading a silly + mother that she is a woman of sense, or an old woman of fifty that she is + young and beautiful. Hence, inconceivable contrarieties for those who go + about the world with their eyes shut. One man owes his ill-savored conceit + to the flattery of a mistress; another owes his versifying vanity to those + who are paid to call him a great poet. Every family has its great man; and + the result is, as we see it in the Chamber, general obscurity of the + lights of France. Well, men of real mind are laughing to themselves about + it, that’s all. You are the mind and the beauty of this little circle of + the petty bourgeoisie; it is this superiority which led me in the first + instance to worship you. I have since longed to drag you out of it; for I + love you sincerely—more in friendship than in love; though a great + deal of love is gliding into it,” he added, pressing her to his heart + under cover of the recess of a window to which he had taken her. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Phellion will play the piano,” cried Colleville. “We must all + dance to-night—bottles and Brigitte’s francs and all the little + girls! I’ll go and fetch my clarionet.” + </p> + <p> + He gave his empty coffee-cup to his wife, smiling to see her so friendly + with la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “What have you said and done to my husband?” asked Flavie, when Colleville + had left them. + </p> + <p> + “Must I tell you all our secrets?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you don’t love me,” she replied, looking at him with the coquettish + slyness of a woman who is not quite decided in her mind. + </p> + <p> + “Well, since you tell me yours,” he said, letting himself go to the lively + impulse of Provencal gaiety, always so charming and apparently so natural, + “I will not conceal from you an anxiety in my heart.” + </p> + <p> + He took her back to the same window and said, smiling:— + </p> + <p> + “Colleville, poor man, has seen in me the artist repressed by all these + bourgeois; silent before them because I feel misjudged, misunderstood, and + repelled by them. He has felt the heat of the sacred fire that consumes + me. Yes I am,” he continued, in a tone of conviction, “an artist in words + after the manner of Berryer; I could make juries weep, by weeping myself, + for I’m as nervous as a woman. Your husband, who detests the bourgeoisie, + began to tease me about them. At first we laughed; then, in becoming + serious, he found out that I was as strong as he. I told him of the plan + concocted to make <i>something</i> of Thuillier, and I showed him all the + good he could get himself out of a political puppet. ‘If it were only,’ I + said to him, ‘to make yourself Monsieur <i>de</i> Colleville, and to put + your charming wife where I should like to see her, as the wife of a + receiver-general, or deputy. To make yourself all that you and she ought + to be, you have only to go and live a few years in the Upper or Lower + Alps, in some hole of a town where everybody will like you, and your wife + will seduce everybody; and this,’ I added, ‘you cannot fail to obtain, + especially if you give your dear Celeste to some man who can influence the + Chamber.’ Good reasons, stated in jest, have the merit of penetrating + deeper into some minds than if they were given soberly. So Colleville and + I became the best friends in the world. Didn’t you hear him say to me at + table, ‘Rascal! you have stolen my speech’? To-night we shall be theeing + and thouing each other. I intend to have a choice little supper-party + soon, where artists, tied to the proprieties at home, always compromise + themselves. I’ll invite him, and that will make us as solidly good friends + as he is with Thuillier. There, my dear adorned one, is what a profound + sentiment gives a man the courage to produce. Colleville must adopt me; so + that I may visit your house by his invitation. But what couldn’t you make + me do? lick lepers, swallow live toads, seduce Brigitte—yes, if you + say so, I’ll impale my own heart on that great picket-rail to please you.” + </p> + <p> + “You frightened me this morning,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “But this evening you are reassured. Yes,” he added, “no harm will ever + happen to you through me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are, I must acknowledge, a most extraordinary man.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, no! the smallest as well as the greatest of my efforts are merely + the reflections of the flame which you have kindled. I intend to be your + son-in-law that we may never part. My wife, heavens! what could she be to + me but a machine for child-bearing? whereas the divinity, the sublime + being will be—you,” he whispered in her ear. + </p> + <p> + “You are Satan!” she said, in a sort of terror. + </p> + <p> + “No, I am something of a poet, like all the men of my region. Come, be my + Josephine! I’ll go and see you to-morrow. I have the most ardent desire to + see where you live and how you live, the furniture you use, the color of + your stuffs, the arrangement of all things about you. I long to see the + pearl in its shell.” + </p> + <p> + He slipped away cleverly after these words, without waiting for an answer. + </p> + <p> + Flavie, to whom in all her life love had never taken the language of + romance, sat still, but happy, her heart palpitating, and saying to + herself that it was very difficult to escape such influence. For the first + time Theodose had appeared in a pair of new trousers, with gray silk + stockings and pumps, a waistcoat of black silk, and a cravat of black + satin on the knot of which shone a plain gold pin selected with taste. He + wore also a new coat in the last fashion, and yellow gloves, relieved by + white shirt-cuffs; he was the only man who had manners, or deportment in + that salon, which was now filling up for the evening. + </p> + <p> + Madame Pron, nee Barniol, arrived with two school-girls, aged seventeen, + confided to her maternal care by families residing in Martinique. Monsieur + Pron, professor of rhetoric in a college presided over by priests, + belonged to the Phellion class; but, instead of expanding on the surface + in phrases and demonstrations, and posing as an example, he was dry and + sententious. Monsieur and Madame Pron, the flowers of the Phellion salon, + received every Monday. Though a professor, the little man danced. He + enjoyed great influence in the quarter enclosed by the boulevard du + Mont-Parnasse, the Luxembourg, and the rue de Sevres. Therefore, as soon + as Phellion saw his friend, he took him by the arm into a corner to inform + him of the Thuillier candidacy. After ten minutes’ consultation they both + went to find Thuillier, and the recess of a window, opposite to that where + Flavie still sat absorbed in her reflections, no doubt, heard a “trio” + worthy, in its way, of that of the Swiss in “Guillaume Tell.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you see,” said Theodose, returning to Flavie, “the pure and honest + Phellion intriguing over there? Give a personal reason to a virtuous man + and he’ll paddle in the slimiest puddle; he is hooking that little Pron, + and Pron is taking it all in, solely to get your little Celeste for Felix + Phellion. Separate them, and in ten minutes they’ll get together again, + and that young Minard will be growling round them like an angry bulldog.” + </p> + <p> + Felix, still under the strong emotion imparted to him by Celeste’s + generous action and the cry that came from the girl’s heart, though no one + but Madame Thuillier still thought of it, became inspired by one of those + ingenuous artfulnesses which are the honest charlatanism of true love; but + he was not to the manner born of it, and mathematics, moreover, made him + somewhat absent-minded. He stationed himself near Madame Thuillier, + imagining that Madame Thuillier would attract Celeste to her side. This + astute calculation succeeded all the better because young Minard, who saw + in Celeste nothing more than a “dot,” had no such sudden inspiration, and + was drinking his coffee and talking politics with Laudigeois, Monsieur + Barniol, and Dutocq by order of his father, who was thinking and planning + for the general election of the legislature in 1842. + </p> + <p> + “Who wouldn’t love Celeste?” said Felix to Madame Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Little darling, no one in the world loves me as she does,” replied the + poor slave, with difficulty restraining her tears. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! madame, we both love you,” said the candid professor, sincerely. + </p> + <p> + “What are you saying to each other?” asked Celeste, coming up. + </p> + <p> + “My child,” said the pious woman, drawing her god-daughter down to her and + kissing her on the forehead. “He said that you both loved me.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be angry with my presumption, mademoiselle. Let me do all I can to + prove it,” murmured Felix. “Ah! I cannot help it, I was made this way; + injustice revolts me to the soul! Yes, the Saviour of men was right to + promise the future to the meek heart, to the slain lamb! A man who did not + love you, Celeste, must have adored you after that sublime impulse of + yours at table. Ah, yes! innocence alone can console the martyr. You are a + kind young girl; you will be one of those wives who make the glory and the + happiness of a family. Happy be he whom you will choose!” + </p> + <p> + “Godmamma, with what eyes do you think Monsieur Felix sees me?” + </p> + <p> + “He appreciates you, my little angel; I shall pray to God for both of + you.” + </p> + <p> + “If you knew how happy I am that my father can do a service to Monsieur + Thuillier, and how I wish I could be useful to your brother—” + </p> + <p> + “In short,” said Celeste, laughing, “you love us all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes,” replied Felix. + </p> + <p> + True love wraps itself in the mysteries of reserve, even in its + expression; it proves itself by itself; it does not feel the necessity, as + a false love does, of lighting a conflagration. By an observer (if such a + being could have glided into the Thuillier salon) a book might have been + made in comparing the two scenes of love-making, and in watching the + enormous preparations of Theodose and the simplicity of Felix: one was + nature, the other was society,—the true and the false embodied. + Noticing her daughter glowing with happiness, exhaling her soul through + the pores of her face, and beautiful with the beauty of a young girl + gathering the first roses of an indirect declaration, Flavie had an + impulse of jealousy in her heart. She came across to Celeste and said in + her ear:— + </p> + <p> + “You are not behaving well, my daughter; everybody is observing you; you + are compromising yourself by talking so long to Monsieur Felix without + knowing whether we approve of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, mamma, my godmother is here.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! pardon me, dear friend,” said Madame Colleville; “I did not notice + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You do as others do,” said the poor nonentity. + </p> + <p> + That reply stung Madame Colleville, who regarded it as a barbed arrow. She + cast a haughty glance at Felix and said to Celeste, “Sit there, my + daughter,” seating herself at the same time beside Madame Thuillier and + pointing to a chair on the other side of her. + </p> + <p> + “I will work myself to death,” said Felix to Madame Thuillier. “I’ll be a + member of the Academy of Sciences; I’ll make some great discovery, and win + her hand by force of fame.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” thought the poor woman to herself, “I ought to have had a gentle, + peaceful, learned man like that. I might have slowly developed in a life + of quietness. It was not thy will, O God! but, I pray thee, unite and + bless these children; they are made for one another.” + </p> + <p> + And she sat there, pensive, listening to the racket made by her + sister-in-law—a ten-horse power at work—who now, lending a + hand to her two servants, cleared the table, taking everything out of the + dining-room to accommodate the dancers, vociferating, like the captain of + a frigate on his quarter-deck when taking his ship into action: “Have you + plenty of raspberry syrup?” “Run out and buy some more orgeat!” “There’s + not enough glasses. Where’s the ‘eau rougie’? Take those six bottles of + ‘vin ordinaire’ and make more. Mind that Coffinet, the porter, doesn’t get + any.” “Caroline, my girl, you are to wait at the sideboard; you’ll have + tongue and ham to slice in case they dance till morning. But mind, no + waste! Keep an eye on everything. Pass me the broom; put more oil in those + lamps; don’t make blunders. Arrange the remains of the dessert so as to + make a show on the sideboard; ask my sister to come and help us. I’m sure + I don’t know what she’s thinking about, that dawdle! Heavens, how slow she + is! Here, take away these chairs, they’ll want all the room they can get.” + </p> + <p> + The salon was full of Barniols, Collevilles, Phellions, Laudigeois, and + many others whom the announcement of a dance at the Thuilliers’, spread + about in the Luxembourg between two and four in the afternoon, the hour at + which the bourgeoisie takes its walk, had drawn thither. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ready, Brigitte?” said Colleville, bolting into the dining-room; + “it is nine o’clock, and they are packed as close as herrings in the + salon. Cardot, his wife and son and daughter and future son-in-law have + just come, accompanied by that young Vinet; the whole faubourg Saint + Antoine is debouching. Can’t we move the piano in here?” + </p> + <p> + Then he gave the signal, by tuning his clarionet, the joyous sounds of + which were greeted with huzzas from the salon. + </p> + <p> + It is useless to describe a ball of this kind. The toilets, faces, and + conversations were all in keeping with one fact which will surely suffice + even the dullest imagination; they passed round, on tarnished and + discolored trays, common tumblers filled with wine, “eau rougie,” and “eau + sucree.” The trays on which were glasses of orgeat and glasses of syrup + and water appeared only at long intervals. There were five card-tables and + twenty-five players, and eighteen dancers of both sexes. At one o’clock in + the morning, all present—Madame Thuillier, Mademoiselle Brigitte, + Madame Phellion, even Phellion himself—were dragged into the + vivacities of a country-dance, vulgarly called “La Boulangere,” in which + Dutocq figured with a veil over his head, after the manner of the Kabyl. + The servants who were waiting to escort their masters home, and those of + the household, were audience to this performance; and after the + interminable dance had lasted one whole hour it was proposed to carry + Brigitte in triumph when she gave the announcement that supper was served. + This circumstance made her see the necessity of hiding a dozen bottles of + old burgundy. In short, the company had amused themselves so well, the + matrons as well as the young girls, that Thuillier found occasion to say:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, this morning we little thought we should have such a fete + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s never more pleasure,” said the notary Cardot, “than in just such + improvised balls. Don’t talk to me of parties where everybody stands on + ceremony.” + </p> + <p> + This opinion, we may remark, is a standing axiom among the bourgeoisie. + </p> + <p> + “Well, for my part,” said Madame Minard, “I prefer the dignified old + ways.” + </p> + <p> + “We didn’t mean that for you, madame; your salon is the chosen haunt of + pleasure,” said Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + When “La Boulangere” came to an end, Theodose pulled Dutocq from the + sideboard where he was preparing to eat a slice of tongue, and said to + him:— + </p> + <p> + “Let us go; we must be at Cerizet’s very early in the morning; we ought + both of us to think over that affair; it is not so easy to manage as + Cerizet seems to imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Dutocq, bringing his slice of tongue to eat in the salon. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you know the law?” + </p> + <p> + “I know enough of it to be aware of the dangers of the affair. If that + notary wants the house and we filch it from him, there are means by which + he can recover it; he can put himself into the skin of a registered + creditor. By the present legal system relating to mortgages, when a house + is sold at the request of creditors, if the price obtained for it at + auction is not enough to pay all debts, the owners have the right to bid + it in and hold it for a higher sum; now the notary, seeing himself caught, + may back out of the sale in that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “it needs attention.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” replied Dutocq, “we’ll go and see Cerizet.” + </p> + <p> + These words, “go and see Cerizet,” were overheard by Minard, who was + following the two associates; but they offered no meaning to his mind. The + two men were so outside of his own course and projects that he heard them + without listening to them. + </p> + <p> + “This has been one of the finest days in our lives,” said Brigitte to her + brother, when she found herself alone with him in the deserted salon, at + half-past two in the morning. “What a distinction! to be thus selected by + your fellow-citizens!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be mistaken about it, Brigitte; we owe it all, my child, to one + man.” + </p> + <p> + “What man?” + </p> + <p> + “To our friend, la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE BANKER OF THE POOR + </h2> + <p> + It was not on the next day, Monday, but on the following day, Tuesday, + that Dutocq and Theodose went to see Cerizet, the former having called la + Peyrade’s attention to the fact that Cerizet always absented himself on + Sundays and Mondays, taking advantage of the total absence of clients on + those days, which are devoted by the populace to debauch. The house toward + which they directed their steps is one of the striking features in the + faubourg Saint-Jacques, and it is quite as important to study it here as + it was to study those of Phellion and Thuillier. It is not known (true, no + commission has yet been appointed to examine this phenomenon), no one + knows why certain quarters become degraded and vulgarized, morally as well + as materially; why, for instance, the ancient residence of the court and + the church, the Luxembourg and the Latin quarter, have become what they + are to-day, in spite of the presence of the finest palaces in the world, + in spite of the bold cupola of Sainte-Genevieve, that of Mansard on the + Val-de-Grace, and the charms of the Jardin des Plantes. One asks one’s + self why the elegance of life has left that region; why the Vauquer + houses, the Phellion and the Thuillier houses now swarm with tenants and + boarders, on the site of so many noble and religious buildings, and why + such mud and dirty trades and poverty should have fastened on a hilly + piece of ground, instead of spreading out upon the flat land beyond the + confines of the ancient city. + </p> + <p> + The angel whose beneficence once hovered above this quarter being dead, + usury, on the lowest scale, rushed in and took his place. To the old + judge, Popinot, succeeded Cerizet; and strange to say,—a fact which + it is well to study,—the effect produced, socially speaking, was + much the same. Popinot loaned money without interest, and was willing to + lose; Cerizet lost nothing, and compelled the poor to work hard and stay + virtuous. The poor adored Popinot, but they did not hate Cerizet. Here, in + this region, revolves the lowest wheel of Parisian financiering. At the + top, Nucingen & Co., the Kellers, du Tillet, and the Mongenods; a + little lower down, the Palmas, Gigonnets, and Gobsecks; lower still, the + Samonons, Chaboisseaus, and Barbets; and lastly (after the pawn-shops) + comes this king of usury, who spreads his nets at the corners of the + streets to entangle all miseries and miss none,—Cerizet, “money + lender by the little week.” + </p> + <p> + The frogged frock-coat will have prepared you for the den in which this + convicted stock-broker carried on his present business. + </p> + <p> + The house was humid with saltpetre; the walls, sweating moisture, were + enamelled all over with large slabs of mould. Standing at the corner of + the rue des Postes and rue des Poules, it presented first a ground-floor, + occupied partly by a shop for the sale of the commonest kind of wine, + painted a coarse bright red, decorated with curtains of red calico, + furnished with a leaden counter, and guarded by formidable iron bars. + Above the gate of an odious alley hung a frightful lantern, on which were + the words “Night lodgings here.” The outer walls were covered with iron + crossbars, showing, apparently, the insecurity of the building, which was + owned by the wine-merchant, who also inhabited the entresol. The widow + Poiret (nee Michonneau) kept furnished lodgings on the first, second, and + third floors, consisting of single rooms for workmen and for the poorest + class of students. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet occupied one room on the ground-floor and another in the entresol, + to which he mounted by an interior staircase; this entresol looked out + upon a horrible paved court, from which arose mephitic odors. Cerizet paid + forty francs a month to the widow Poiret for his breakfast and dinner; he + thus conciliated her by becoming her boarder; he also made himself + acceptable to the wine-merchant by procuring him an immense sale of wine + and liquors among his clients—profits realized before sunrise; the + wine-shop beginning operations about three in the morning in summer, and + five in winter. + </p> + <p> + The hour of the great Market, which so many of his clients, male and + female, attended, was the determining cause of Cerizet’s early hours. The + Sieur Cadenet, the wine-merchant, in view of the custom which he owed to + the usurer, had let him the two rooms for the low price of eighty francs a + year, and had given him a lease for twelve years, which Cerizet alone had + a right to break, without paying indemnity, at three months’ notice. + Cadenet always carried in a bottle of excellent wine for the dinner of + this useful tenant; and when Cerizet was short of money he had only to say + to his friend, “Cadenet, lend me a few hundred francs,”—loans which + he faithfully repaid. + </p> + <p> + Cadenet, it was said, had proof of the widow Poiret having deposited in + Cerizet’s hands some two thousand francs for investment, which may explain + the progress of the latter’s affairs since the day when he first took up + his abode in the quarter, supplied with a last note of a thousand francs + and Dutocq’s protection. Cadenet, prompted by a cupidity which success + increased, had proposed, early in the year, to put twenty thousand francs + into the hands of his friend Cerizet. But Cerizet had positively declined + them, on the ground that he ran risks of a nature to become a possible + cause of dispute with associates. + </p> + <p> + “I could only,” he said to Cadenet, “take them at six per cent interest, + and you can do better than that in your own business. We will go into + partnership later, if you like, in some serious enterprise, some good + opportunity which may require, say, fifty thousand francs. When you have + got that sum to invest, let me know, and we’ll talk about it.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet had only suggested the affair of the house to Theodose after + making sure that among the three, Madame Poiret, Cadenet, and himself, it + was impossible to raise the full sum of one hundred thousand francs. + </p> + <p> + The “lender by the little week” was thus in perfect safety in his den, + where he could even, if necessity came, appeal to the law. On certain + mornings there might be seen as many as sixty or eighty persons, men as + often as women, either in the wine-shop, or the alley, or sitting on the + staircase, for the distrustful Cerizet would only admit six persons at a + time into his office. The first comers were first served, and each had to + go by his number, which the wine-merchant, or his shop-boy, affixed to the + hats of the man and the backs of the women. Sometimes the clients would + sell to each other (as hackney-coachmen do on the cabstands), head numbers + for tail numbers. On certain days, when the market business was pressing, + a head number was often sold for a glass of brandy and a sou. The numbers, + as they issued from Cerizet’s office, called up the succeeding numbers; + and if any disputes arose Cadenet put a stop to the fray at once my + remarking:— + </p> + <p> + “If you get the police here you won’t gain anything; <i>he</i>’ll shut up + shop.” + </p> + <p> + HE was Cerizet’s name. When, in the course of the day, some hapless woman, + without an atom of food in her room, and seeing her children pale with + hunger, would come to borrow ten or twenty sous, she would say to the + wine-merchant anxiously:— + </p> + <p> + “Is <i>he</i> there?” + </p> + <p> + Cadenet, a short, stout man, dressed in blue, with outer sleeves of black + stuff and a wine-merchant’s apron, and always wearing a cap, seemed an + angel to these mothers when he replied to them:— + </p> + <p> + “<i>He</i> told me that you were an honest woman and I might give you + forty sous. You know what you must do about it—” + </p> + <p> + And, strange to say, <i>he</i> was blessed by these poor people, even as + they had lately blessed Popinot. + </p> + <p> + But Cerizet was cursed on Sunday mornings when accounts were settled; and + they cursed him even more on Saturdays, when it was necessary to work in + order to repay the sum borrowed with interest. But, after all, he was + Providence, he was God from Tuesday to Friday of every week. + </p> + <p> + The room which he made his office, formerly the kitchen of the next floor, + was bare; the beams of the ceiling had been whitewashed, but still bore + marks of smoke. The walls, along which he had put benches, and the stone + floor, retained and gave out dampness. The fireplace, where the crane + remained, was partly filled by an iron stove in which Cerizet burned + sea-coal when the weather was severe. A platform about half a foot high + and eight feet square extended from the edge of the fireplace; on it was + fastened a common table and an armchair with a round cushion covered with + green leather. Behind him, Cerizet had sheathed the walls with planks; + also protecting himself with a little wooden screen, painted white, from + the draught between the window and door; but this screen, made of two + leaves, was so placed that the warmth from the stove reached him. The + window had enormous inside shutters of cast-iron, held, when closed, by a + bar. The door commanded respect by an armor of the same character. + </p> + <p> + At the farther end of this room, in a corner, was a spiral-staircase, + coming, evidently, from some pulled-down shop, and bought in the rue + Chapon by Cadenet, who had fitted it through the ceiling into the room in + the entresol occupied by Cerizet. In order to prevent all communication + with the upper floors, Cerizet had exacted that the door of that room + which opened on the common landing should be walled up. The place had thus + become a fortress. The bedroom above had a cheap carpet bought for twenty + francs, an iron bedstead, a bureau, three chairs, and an iron safe, made + by a good workman, which Cerizet had bought at a bargain. He shaved before + a glass on the chimney-piece; he owned two pairs of cotton sheets and six + cotton shirts; the rest of his visible wardrobe was of the same character. + Cadenet had once seen Cerizet dressed like a dandy of the period; he must, + therefore, have kept hidden, in some drawer of his bureau, a complete + disguise with which he could go to the opera, see the world, and not be + recognized, for, had it not been that Cadenet heard his voice, he would + certainly have asked him who he was. + </p> + <p> + What pleased the clients of this man most was his joviality and his + repartees; he talked their language. Cadenet, his two shop-men, and + Cerizet, living in the midst of dreadful misery, behaved with the calmness + of undertakers in presence of afflicted heirs, of old sergeants of the + Guard among heaps of dead. They no more shuddered on hearing cries of + hunger and despair than surgeons shudder at the cries of their patients in + hospital; they said, as the soldiers and the dressers said, the + perfunctory words, “Have patience! a little courage! What’s the good of + grieving? Suppose you kill yourself, what then? One gets accustomed to + everything; be reasonable!” + </p> + <p> + Though Cerizet took the precaution to hide the money necessary for his + morning operations in the hollow seat of the chair in which he sat, taking + out no more than a hundred francs at a time, which he put in the pockets + of his trousers, never dipping into the funds of the chair except between + the entrance of two batches of clients (keeping his door locked and not + opening it till all was safely stowed in his pockets), he had really + nothing to fear from the various despairs which found their way from all + sides to this rendezvous of misery. Certainly, there are many different + ways of being honest and virtuous; and the “Monograph of Virtue” has no + other basis than this social axiom.[*] A man is false to his conscience; + he fails, apparently, in delicacy; he forfeits that bloom of honor which, + though lost, does not, as yet, mean general disrepute; at last, however, + he fails decidedly in honor; if he falls into the hands of the + correctional police, he is not, as yet, guilty of crime before the court + of assizes; but after he is branded with infamy by the verdict of a jury + he may still be honored at the galleys for the species of honor and + integrity practised by criminals among themselves, which consists in not + betraying each other, in sharing booty loyally, and in running all + dangers. Well, this last form of honor—which is perhaps a + calculation, a necessity, the practice of which offers certain + opportunities for grandeur to the guilty man and the possibility of a + return to good—reigned absolutely between Cerizet and his clients. + Never did Cerizet make an error, nor his poor people either; neither side + ever denied what was due, either capital or interests. Many a time + Cerizet, who was born among the people, corrected from one week to another + some accidental error, to the benefit of a poor man who had never + discovered it. He was called a Jew, but an honest one, and his word in + that city of sorrows was sacred. A woman died, causing a loss to him of + thirty francs: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] A book on which the author has been at work since 1833, + the year in which it was first announced.—Author’s note. +</pre> + <p> + “See my profits! there they go!” he said to his assemblage, “and you howl + upon me! You know I’ll never trouble the brats; in fact, Cadenet has + already taken them bread and heel-taps.” + </p> + <p> + After that it was said of him in both faubourgs:— + </p> + <p> + “He is not a bad fellow!” + </p> + <p> + The “loan by the little week,” as interpreted by Cerizet, is not, + considering all things, so cruel a thing as the pawn-shop. Cerizet loaned + ten francs Tuesday on condition of receiving twelve francs Sunday morning. + In five weeks he doubled his capital; but he had to make many compromises. + His kindness consisted in accepting, from time to time, eleven francs and + fifty centimes; sometimes the whole interest was still owing. When he gave + fifty francs for sixty to a fruit-stall man, or a hundred francs for one + hundred and twenty to a seller of peat-fuel, he ran great risks. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the rue des Poules through the rue des Postes, Theodose and + Dutocq saw a great assemblage of men and women, and by the light which the + wine-merchant’s little oil-lamps cast upon these groups, they were + horrified at beholding that mass of red, seamed, haggard faces; solemn + with suffering, withered, distorted, swollen with wine, pallid from + liquor; some threatening, others resigned, some sarcastic or jeering, + others besotted; all rising from the midst of those terrible rags, which + no designer can surpass in his most extravagant caricatures. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be recognized,” said Theodose, pulling Dutocq away; “we have done + a foolish thing to come here at this hour and take him in the midst of his + business.” + </p> + <p> + “All the more that Claparon may be sleeping in his lair, the interior of + which we know nothing about. Yes, there are dangers for you, but none for + me; I shall be thought to have business with my copying-clerk, and I’ll go + and tell him to come and dine with us; this is court day, so we can’t have + him to breakfast. I’ll tell him to meet us at the ‘Chaumiere’ in one of + the garden dining-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Bad; anybody could listen to us there without being seen,” said la + Peyrade. “I prefer the ‘Petit Rocher de Cancale’; we can go into a private + room and speak low.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose you are seen with Cerizet?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, let’s go to the ‘Cheval Rouge,’ quai de la Tournelle.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s best; seven o’clock; nobody will be there then.” + </p> + <p> + Dutocq advanced alone into the midst of that congress of beggars, and he + heard his own name repeated from mouth to mouth, for he could hardly fail + to encounter among them some jail-bird familiar with the judge’s office, + just as Theodose was certain to have met a client. + </p> + <p> + In these quarters the justice-of-peace is the supreme authority; all legal + contests stop short at his office, especially since the law was passed + giving to those judges sovereign power in all cases of litigation + involving not over one hundred and forty francs. A way was made for the + judge’s clerk, who was not less feared than the judge himself. He saw + women seated on the staircase; a horrible display of pallor and suffering + of many kinds. Dutocq was almost asphyxiated when he opened the door of + the room in which already sixty persons had left their odors. + </p> + <p> + “Your number? your number?” cried several voices. + </p> + <p> + “Hold your jaw!” cried a gruff voice from the street, “that’s the pen of + the judge.” + </p> + <p> + Profound silence followed. Dutocq found his copying clerk clothed in a + jacket of yellow leather like that of the gloves of the gendarmerie, + beneath which he wore an ignoble waistcoat of knitted wool. The reader + must imagine the man’s diseased head issuing from this species of scabbard + and covered with a miserable Madras handkerchief, which, leaving to view + the forehead and neck, gave to that head, by the gleam of a tallow candle + of twelve to the pound, its naturally hideous and threatening character. + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be done that way, papa Lantimeche,” Cerizet was saying to a tall + old man, seeming to be about seventy years of age, who was standing before + him with a red woollen cap in his hand, exhibiting a bald head, and a + breast covered with white hairs visible through his miserable linen + jacket. “Tell me exactly what you want to undertake. One hundred francs, + even on condition of getting back one hundred and twenty, can’t be let + loose that way, like a dog in a church—” + </p> + <p> + The five other applicants, among whom were two women, both with infants, + one knitting, the other suckling her child, burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + When Cerizet saw Dutocq, he rose respectfully and went rather hastily to + meet him, adding to his client:— + </p> + <p> + “Take time to reflect; for, don’t you see? it makes me doubtful to have + such a sum as that, one hundred francs! asked for by an old journeyman + locksmith!” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you it concerns an invention,” cried the old workman. + </p> + <p> + “An invention and one hundred francs!” said Dutocq. “You don’t know the + laws; you must take out a patent, and that costs two thousand francs, and + you want influence.” + </p> + <p> + “All that is true,” said Cerizet, who, however, reckoned a good deal on + such chances. “Come to-morrow morning, papa Lantimeche, at six o’clock, + and we’ll talk it over; you can’t talk inventions in public.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet then turned to Dutocq whose first words were:— + </p> + <p> + “If the thing turns out well, half profits!” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you get up at this time in the morning to come here and say that + to me?” demanded the distrustful Cerizet, already displeased with the + mention of “half profits.” “You could have seen me as usual at the + office.” + </p> + <p> + And he looked askance at Dutocq; the latter, while telling him his errand + and speaking of Claparon and the necessity of pushing forward in the + Theodose affair, seemed confused. + </p> + <p> + “All the same you could have seen me this morning at the office,” repeated + Cerizet, conducting his visitor to the door. + </p> + <p> + “There’s a man,” thought he, as he returned to his seat, “who seems to me + to have breathed on his lantern so that I may not see clear. Well, well, + I’ll give up that place of copying clerk. Ha! your turn, little mother!” + he cried; “you invent children! That’s amusing enough, though the trick is + well known.” + </p> + <p> + It is all the more useless to relate the conversation which took place + between the three confederates at the “Cheval Rouge,” because the + arrangements there concluded were the basis of certain confidences made, + as we shall see, by Theodose to Mademoiselle Thuillier; but it is + necessary to remark that the cleverness displayed by la Peyrade seemed + almost alarming to Cerizet and Dutocq. After this conference, the banker + of the poor, finding himself in company with such powerful players, had it + in mind to make sure of his own stake at the first chance. To win the game + at any price over the heads of the ablest gamblers, by cheating if + necessary, is the inspiration of a special sort of vanity peculiar to + friends of the green cloth. Hence came the terrible blow which la Peyrade + was about to receive. + </p> + <p> + He knew his two associates well; and therefore, in spite of the perpetual + activity of his intellectual forces, in spite of the perpetual + watchfulness his personality of ten faces required, nothing fatigued him + as much as the part he had to play with his two accomplices. Dutocq was a + great knave, and Cerizet had once been a comic actor; they were both + experts in humbug. A motionless face like Talleyrand’s would have made + then break at once with the Provencal, who was now in their clutches; it + was necessary, therefore, that he should make a show of ease and + confidence and of playing above board—the very height of art in such + affairs. To delude the pit is an every-day triumph, but to deceive + Mademoiselle Mars, Frederic Lemaitre, Potier, Talma, Monrose, is the acme + of art. + </p> + <p> + This conference at the “Cheval Rouge” had therefore the result of giving + to la Peyrade, who was fully as sagacious as Cerizet, a secret fear, + which, during the latter period of this daring game, so fired his blood + and heated his brain that there came moments when he fell into the morbid + condition of the gambler, who follows with his eye the roll of the ball on + which he has staked his last penny. The senses then have a lucidity in + their action and the mind takes a range, which human knowledge has no + means of measuring. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. HOW BRIGITTE WAS WON + </h2> + <p> + The day after this conference at the “Cheval Rouge,” la Peyrade went to + dine with the Thuilliers, and on the commonplace pretext of a visit to + pay, Thuillier carried off his wife, leaving Theodose alone with Brigitte. + Neither Thuillier, nor his sister, nor Theodose, were the dupes of this + comedy; but the old beau of the Empire considered the manoeuvre a piece of + diplomacy. + </p> + <p> + “Young man, do not take advantage of my sister’s innocence; respect it,” + said Thuillier solemnly, as he departed. + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle,” said Theodose, drawing his chair closer to the sofa where + Brigitte sat knitting, “have you thought of inducing the business men of + the arrondissement to support Thuillier’s interests?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why! you are in close relations with Barbet and Metivier.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you are right! Faith! you are no blunderer!” she said after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “When we love our friends, we serve them,” he replied, sententiously. + </p> + <p> + To capture Brigitte would be like carrying the redoubt of the Moskowa, the + culminating strategic point. But it was necessary to possess that old maid + as the devil was supposed in the middle ages to possess men, and in a way + to make any awakening impossible for her. For the last three days la + Peyrade had been measuring himself for the task; he had carefully + reconnoitred the ground to see all difficulty. Flattery, that almost + infallible means in able hands, would certainly miscarry with a woman who + for years had known she had no beauty. But a man of strong will finds + nothing impregnable; the Lamarques could never have failed to take Capri. + Therefore, nothing must be omitted from the memorable scene which was now + to take place; all things about it had their own importance,—inflections + of the voice, pauses, glances, lowered eyes. + </p> + <p> + “But,” rejoined Brigitte, “you have already proved to us your affection.” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother has told you—?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he merely told me that you had something to tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mademoiselle, I have; for you are the man of the family. In + reflecting on this matter, I find many dangers for myself, such as a man + only risks for his nearest and dearest. It involves a fortune; thirty to + forty thousand francs a year, and not the slightest speculation—a + piece of landed property. The hope of helping Thuillier to win such a + fortune enticed me from the first. ‘It fascinates me,’ I said to him—for, + unless a man is an absolute fool, he can’t help asking himself: ‘Why + should he care to do us all this good?’ So I told him frankly that in + working for his interests, I flattered myself I was working for my own, as + I’ll explain to you later. If he wishes to be deputy, two things are + absolutely necessary: to comply with the law as to property, and to win + for his name some sort of public celebrity. If I myself push my devotion + to the point of helping him to write a book on public financiering—or + anything else, no matter what—which would give him that celebrity, I + ought also to think of the other matter, his property—it would be + absurd to expect you to give him this house—” + </p> + <p> + “For my brother? Why, I’d put it in his name to-morrow,” cried Brigitte. + “You don’t know me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know you thoroughly,” said la Peyrade, “but I do know things + about you which now make me regret that I did not tell you the whole + affair from its origin; I mean from the moment when I conceived the plan + to which Thuillier will owe his nomination. He will be hunted down by envy + and jealousy, and the task of upholding him will be a hard one; we must, + however, get the better of his rivals and take the wind out of their + sails.” + </p> + <p> + “But this affair,” said Brigitte, “what are the difficulties?” + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle, the difficulties lie within my own conscience. Assuredly, I + could not serve you in this matter without first consulting my confessor. + From a worldly point of view—oh! the affair is perfectly legal, and + I am—you’ll understand me?—a barrister inscribed on the panel, + that is, member of a bar controlled by the strictest rules. I am therefore + incapable of proposing an enterprise which might give occasion for blame. + In the first place, I myself don’t make a penny by it.” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte was on thorns; her face was flaming; she broke her wool, mended + it, broke it again, and did not know which way to look. + </p> + <p> + “One can’t get,” she said, “in these days, forty thousand francs a year + from landed property unless it is worth one million eight hundred + thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will undertake that you shall see a piece of property and + estimate yourself its probable revenue, which I can make Thuillier the + owner of for fifty thousand francs down.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if you can make us obtain that!” cried Brigitte, worked up to the + highest excitement by the spur of her natural cupidity. “Go on, my dear + Monsieur Theodose, and—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped short. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mademoiselle?” + </p> + <p> + “You will, perhaps, have done yourself a service.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if Thuillier has told you my secret, I must leave this house.” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Did he tell you that I love Celeste?” + </p> + <p> + “No, on my word of honor!” cried Brigitte, “but I myself was just about to + speak of her.” + </p> + <p> + “And offer her to me? Oh! may God forgive us! I can only win her of + herself, her parents, by a free choice—No, no, all I ask of you is + your good-will, your protection. Promise me, as Thuillier has, in return + for my services your influence, your friendship; tell me that you will + treat me as a son. If you will do that, I will abide by your decision in + this matter; I can trust it; I need not speak to my confessor. For the + last two years, ever since I have seen much of this family, to whom I + would fain give my powers and devote my utmost energy—for, I shall + succeed! surely I shall!—I have observed that your integrity, your + honor is that of the olden time, your judgment righteous and inflexible. + Also, you have a knowledge of business; and these qualities combined are + precious helps to a man. With a mother-in-law, as I may say, of your + powers, I should find my home life relieved of a crowd of cares and + details as to property, which hinder a man’s advance in a political career + if he is forced to attend to them. I admired you deeply on Sunday evening. + Ah! you were fine! How you did manage matters! In ten minutes that + dining-room was cleared! And, without going outside of your own apartment, + you had everything at hand for the refreshments, for the supper! ‘There,’ + I said to myself, as I watched you, ‘is a true “maitresse-femme”—a + masterly woman!’” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte’s nostrils dilated; she breathed in the words of the young + lawyer. He gave her a side-long glance to enjoy his triumph; he had + touched the right chord in her breast. + </p> + <p> + At this moment he was standing, but he now resumed his seat beside her, + and said:— + </p> + <p> + “Now here is our affair, dear aunt—for you will be a sort of aunt—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! you naughty fellow!” said Brigitte, “and go on.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you the matter roughly—and remark, if you please, that I + compromise myself in telling it to you; for these secrets are entrusted to + me as a lawyer. Therefore understand that you and I are both committing a + crime, so to speak, of leze-confidence! A notary of Paris was in + partnership with an architect; they bought land and built upon it; at the + present moment, property has come down with a rush; they find themselves + embarrassed—but all that doesn’t concern us. Among the houses built + by this illegal partnership—for notaries, you know, are sworn to + have nothing to do with enterprises—is a very good one which, not + being finished, must be sold at a great sacrifice; so great that they now + ask only one hundred thousand francs for it, although the cost of the land + and the building was at least four hundred thousand. As the whole interior + is still unfinished, the value of what is still to do is easily appraised; + it will probably not be more than fifty thousand francs. Now, owing to its + excellent position, this house, when finished, will certainly bring in a + rental, over and above the taxes, of forty thousand francs a year. It is + built of freestone, the corners and copings of cut granite; the facade is + covered with handsome carvings, on which they spent more than twenty + thousand francs; the windows are plate glass with a new style of fastening + called ‘cremona.’” + </p> + <p> + “Well, where is the difficulty?” + </p> + <p> + “Just here: the notary wants to reserve to himself this bit of the cake he + is forced to surrender; he is, under the name of a friend, the creditor + who requests the sale of the property by the assignee of the bankruptcy. + The case has not been brought into court; for legal proceedings cost so + much money. The sale is to be made by voluntary agreement. Now, this + notary has applied to one of my clients to lend him his name for this + purchase. My client, a poor devil, says to me: ‘There’s a fortune to made + out of that house by fooling the notary.’” + </p> + <p> + “And they do that sort of thing in business!” said Brigitte, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “If that were the only difficulty,” continued Theodose, “it would be, as a + friend of mine said to his pupil, who was complaining of the length of + time it took to produce masterpieces in painting: ‘My dear young fellow, + if it were not so, our valets would be painting pictures.’ But, + mademoiselle, if we now get the better of this notary, who certainly + deserves it, for he has compromised a number of private fortunes, yet, as + he is a very shrewd man (though a notary), it might perhaps be very + difficult to do it a second time, and here’s the rub: When a piece of + landed property is bought at a forced sale, if those who have lent money + on that property see that is likely to be sold so low as not to cover the + sum loaned upon it, they have the right, until the expiration of a certain + time, to bid it in; that is, to offer more and keep the property in their + own hands. If this trickster can’t be hoodwinked as to the sale being a + bona fide one until the time when his right to buy it expires, some other + scheme must be resorted to. Now, is this business strictly legal? Am I + justified in doing it for the benefit of a family I seek to enter? That is + the question I have been revolving in my mind for the last three days.” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte, we must acknowledge, hesitated, and Theodose then brought + forward his last card:— + </p> + <p> + “Take the night to think of it,” he said, “to-morrow we will talk it + over.” + </p> + <p> + “My young friend,” said Brigitte, looking at the lawyer with an almost + loving air, “the first thing to be done is to see the house. Where is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Near the Madeleine. That will be the heart of Paris in ten years. All + that property has been desirable since 1819; the banker Du Tillet’s + fortune was derived from property about there. The famous failure of + Maitre Roquin, which carried terror to all Paris, and did such harm to the + confidence given to the notariat, was also caused by it; they went into + heavy speculations on that land too soon; they should have waited until + now.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember about that,” said Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “The house might be finished by the end of the year,” continued Theodose, + “and the rentals could begin next spring.” + </p> + <p> + “Could we go there to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear aunt, I am at your orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” she cried, “don’t call me that before people. As to this affair,” + she continued, “I can’t have any opinion until I have seen the house.” + </p> + <p> + “It has six storeys; nine windows on the front; a fine courtyard, four + shops, and it stands on a corner. Ah! that notary knows what he is about + in wishing to hold on to such pieces of property! But let political events + interfere, and down go the Funds! If I were you, I should sell out all + that you and Madame Thuillier have on the Grand Livre and buy this fine + piece of real estate for Thuillier, and I’d recover the fortune of that + poor, pious creature by savings from its proceeds. Can the Funds go higher + than they are to-day? One hundred and twenty-two! it is fabulous; I should + make haste to sell.” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte licked her lips; she perceived the means of keeping her own + property intact, and of enriching her brother by this use of Madame + Thuillier’s fortune. + </p> + <p> + “My brother is right,” she said to Theodose; “you certainly are a rare + man; you’ll get on in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “And he’ll walk before me,” responded Theodose with a naivete that touched + the old maid. + </p> + <p> + “You will live in the family,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “There may be obstacles to that,” he remarked. “Madame Thuillier is very + queer at times; she doesn’t like me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! I’ll settle that,” cried Brigitte. “Do you attend to that affair and + carry it through if it is feasible, and leave your interests in my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier, member of the municipal council, owner of an estate with a + rental of forty thousand francs a year, with the cross of the Legion of + honor and the author of a political work, grave, serious, important, will + be deputy at the forthcoming general election. But, between ourselves, + little aunt, one couldn’t devote one’s self so utterly except for a + father-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right.” + </p> + <p> + “Though I have no fortune I shall have doubled yours; and if this affair + goes through discreetly, others will turn up.” + </p> + <p> + “Until I have seen the house,” said Mademoiselle Thuillier again, “I can + decide on nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, send for a carriage to-morrow and let us go there. I will get + a ticket early in the morning to view the premises.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, then, about mid-day,” responded Brigitte, holding out her hand + to Theodose that he might shake it, but instead of that he laid upon it + the most respectful and the most tender kiss that Brigitte had ever in her + life received. + </p> + <p> + “Adieu, my child,” she said, as he reached the door. + </p> + <p> + She rang the bell hurriedly and when the servant came:— + </p> + <p> + “Josephine,” she cried, “go at once to Madame Colleville, and ask her to + come over and speak to me.” + </p> + <p> + Fifteen minutes later Flavie entered the salon, where Brigitte was walking + up and down, in a state of extreme agitation. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” she cried on seeing Flavie, “you can do me a great service, + which concerns our dear Celeste. You know Tullia, don’t you?—a + danseuse at the opera; my brother was always dinning her into my ears at + one time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know her; but she is no longer a danseuse; she is Madame la + Comtesse du Bruel. Her husband is peer of France!” + </p> + <p> + “Does she still like you?” + </p> + <p> + “We never see each other now.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I know that Chaffaroux, the rich contractor, is her uncle,” said + Brigitte. “He is old and wealthy. Go and see your former friend, and get + her to give you a line of introduction to him, saying he would do her an + eminent favor if he would give a piece of friendly advice to the bearer of + the note, and then you and I will take it to him to-morrow about one + o’clock. But tell Tullia she must request her uncle to keep secret about + it. Go, my dear. Celeste, our dear child, will be a millionaire! I can’t + say more; but she’ll have, from me, a husband who will put her on a + pinnacle.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to tell you the first letters of his name?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “T. P.,—Theodose de la Peyrade. You are right. That’s a man who may, + if supported by a woman like you, become a minister.” + </p> + <p> + “It is God himself who has placed him in our house!” cried the old maid. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Monsieur and Madame Thuillier returned home. + </p> + <p> + Five days later, in the month of April, the ordinance which convoked the + electors to appoint a member of the municipal council on the 20th of the + same month was inserted in the “Moniteur,” and placarded about Paris. For + several weeks the ministry, called that of March 1st, had been in power. + Brigitte was in a charming humor. She had been convinced of the truth of + all la Peyrade’s assertions. The house, visited from garret to cellar by + old Chaffaroux, was admitted by him to be an admirable construction; poor + Grindot, the architect, who was interested with the notary and Claparon in + the affair, thought the old man was employed in the interests of the + contractor; the old fellow himself thought he was acting in the interests + of his niece, and he gave it as his opinion that thirty thousand francs + would finish the house. Thus, in the course of one week la Peyrade became + Brigitte’s god; and she proved to him by the most naively nefarious + arguments that fortune should be seized when it offered itself. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if there <i>is</i> any sin in the business,” she said to him in the + middle of the garden, “you can confess it.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” cried Thuillier, “a man owes himself to his relatives, and + you are one of us now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I decide to do it,” replied la Peyrade, in a voice of emotion; “but + on conditions that I must now distinctly state. I will not, in marrying + Celeste, be accused of greed and mercenary motives. If you lay remorse + upon me, at least you must consent that I shall remain as I am for the + present. Do not settle upon Celeste, my old Thuillier, the future + possession of the property I am about to obtain for you—” + </p> + <p> + “You are right.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t rob yourself; and let my dear little aunt here act in the same way + in relation to the marriage contract. Put the remainder of the capital in + Madame Thuillier’s name, on the Grand Livre, and she can do what she likes + with it. We shall all live together as one family, and I’ll undertake to + make my own fortune, now that I am free from anxiety about the future.” + </p> + <p> + “That suits me,” said Thuillier; “that’s the talk of an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me kiss you on the forehead, my son,” said the old maid; “but, + inasmuch as Celeste cannot be allowed to go without a ‘dot,’ we shall give + her sixty thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + “For her dress,” said la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “We are all three persons of honor,” cried Thuillier. “It is now settled, + isn’t it? You are to manage the purchase of the house; we are to write + together, you and I, my political work; and you’ll bestir yourself to get + me the decoration?” + </p> + <p> + “You will have that as soon as you are made a municipal councillor on the + 1st of May. Only, my good friend, I must beg you, and you, too, dear aunt, + to keep the most profound secrecy about me in this affair; and do not + listen to the calumnies which all the men I am about to trick will spread + about me. I shall become, you’ll see, a vagabond, a swindler, a dangerous + man, a Jesuit, an ambitious fortune-hunter. Can you hear those accusations + against me with composure?” + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing,” replied Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE REIGN OF THEODOSE + </h2> + <p> + From that day forth Thuillier became a dear, good friend. “My dear, good + friend,” was the name given to him by Theodose, with voice inflections of + varieties of tenderness which astonished Flavie. But “little aunt,” a name + that flattered Brigitte deeply, was only given in family secrecy, and + occasionally before Flavie. The activity of Theodose and Dutocq, Cerizet, + Barbet, Metivier, Minard, Phellion, Colleville, and others of the + Thuillier circle was extreme. Great and small, they all put their hands to + the work. Cadenet procured thirty votes in his section. On the 30th of + April Thuillier was proclaimed member of the Council-general of the + department of the Seine by an imposing majority; in fact, he only needed + sixty more votes to make his election unanimous. May 1st Thuillier joined + the municipal body and went to the Tuileries to congratulate the King on + his fete-day, and returned home radiant. He had gone where Minard went! + </p> + <p> + Ten days later a yellow poster announced the sale of the house, after due + publication; the price named being seventy-five thousand francs; the final + purchase to take place about the last of July. On this point Cerizet and + Claparon had an agreement by which Cerizet pledged the sum of fifteen + thousand francs (in words only, be it understood) to Claparon in case the + latter could deceive the notary and keep him quiet until the time expired + during which he might withdraw the property by bidding it in. Mademoiselle + Thuillier, notified by Theodose, agreed entirely to this secret clause, + understanding perfectly the necessity of paying the culprits guilty of the + treachery. The money was to pass through la Peyrade’s hands. Claparon met + his accomplice, the notary, on the Place de l’Observatoire by midnight. + This young man, the successor of Leopold Hannequin, was one of those who + run after fortune instead of following it leisurely. He now saw another + future before him, and he managed his present affairs in order to be free + to take hold of it. In this midnight interview, he offered Claparon ten + thousand francs to secure himself in this dirty business,—a sum + which was only to be paid on receipt, through Claparon, of a counter-deed + from the nominal purchaser of the property. The notary was aware that that + sum was all-important to Claparon to extricate him from present + difficulties, and he felt secure of him. + </p> + <p> + “Who but you, in all Paris, would give me such a fee for such an affair?” + Claparon said to him, with a false show of naivete. “You can sleep in + peace; my ostensible purchaser is one of those men of honor who are too + stupid to have ideas of your kind; he is a retired government employee; + give him the money to make the purchase and he’ll sign the counter-deed at + once.” + </p> + <p> + When the notary had made Claparon clearly understand that he could not get + more than the ten thousand francs from him, Cerizet offered the latter + twelve thousand down, and asked Theodose for fifteen thousand, intending + to keep the balance for himself. All these scenes between the four men + were seasoned with the finest speeches about feelings, integrity, and the + honor that men owed to one another in doing business. While these + submarine performances were going on, apparently in the interests of + Thuillier, to whom Theodose related them with the deepest manifestations + of disgust at being implicated therein, the pair were meditating the great + political work which “my dear good friend” was to publish. Thus the new + municipal councillor naturally acquired a conviction that he could never + do or be anything without the help of this man of genius; whose mind so + amazed him, and whose ability was now so important to him, that every day + he became more and more convinced of the necessity of marrying him to + Celeste, and of taking the young couple to live with him. In fact, after + May the 1st, Theodose had already dined four times a week with “my dear, + good friend.” + </p> + <p> + This was the period when Theodose reigned without a dissenting voice in + the bosom of that household, and all the friends of the family approved of + him—for the following reason: The Phellions, hearing his praises + sung by Brigitte and Thuillier, feared to displease the two powers and + chorussed their words, even when such perpetual laudation seemed to them + exaggerated. The same may be said of the Minards. Moreover la Peyrade’s + behavior, as “friend of the family” was perfect. He disarmed distrust by + the manner in which he effaced himself; he was there like a new piece of + furniture; and he contrived to make both the Phellions and Minards believe + that Brigitte and Thuillier had weighed him, and found him too light in + the scales to be anything more in the family than a young man whose + services were useful to them. + </p> + <p> + “He may think,” said Thuillier one day to Minard, “that my sister will put + him in her will; he doesn’t know her.” + </p> + <p> + This speech, inspired by Theodose himself, calmed the uneasiness of Minard + “pere.” + </p> + <p> + “He is devoted to us,” said Brigitte to Madame Phellion; “but he certainly + owes us a great deal of gratitude. We have given him his lodging + rent-free, and he dines with us almost every day.” + </p> + <p> + This speech of the old maid, also instigated by Theodose, went from ear to + ear among the families who frequented the Thuillier salon, and dissipated + all fears. The young man called attention to the remarks of Thuillier and + his sister with the servility of a parasite; when he played whist he + justified the blunders of his dear, good friend, and he kept upon his + countenance a smile, fixed and benign, like that of Madame Thuillier, + ready to bestow upon all the bourgeois sillinesses of the brother and + sister. + </p> + <p> + He obtained, what he wanted above all, the contempt of his true + antagonists; and he used it as a cloak to hide his real power. For four + consecutive months his face wore a torpid expression, like that of a snake + as it gulps and digests its prey. But at times he would rush into the + garden with Colleville or Flavie, to laugh and lay off his mask, and rest + himself; or get fresh strength by giving way before his future + mother-in-law to fits of nervous passion which either terrified or deeply + touched her. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you pity me?” he cried to her the evening before the preparatory + sale of the house, when Thuillier was to make the purchase at seventy-five + thousand francs. “Think of a man like me, forced to creep like a cat, to + choke down every pointed word, to swallow my own gall, and submit to your + rebuffs!” + </p> + <p> + “My friend! my child!” Flavie replied, undecided in mind how to take him. + </p> + <p> + These words are a thermometer which will show the temperature at which + this clever manipulator maintained his intrigue with Flavie. He kept her + floating between her heart and her moral sense, between religious + sentiments and this mysterious passion. + </p> + <p> + During this time Felix Phellion was giving, with a devotion and constancy + worthy of all praise, regular lessons to young Colleville. He spent much + of his time upon these lessons, feeling that he was thus working for his + future family. To acknowledge this service, he was invited, by advice of + Theodose to Flavie, to dine at the Collevilles’ every Thursday, where la + Peyrade always met him. Flavie was usually making either a purse or + slippers or a cigar-case for the happy young man, who would say, + deprecatingly:— + </p> + <p> + “I am only too well rewarded, madame, by the happiness I feel in being + useful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “We are not rich, monsieur,” replied Colleville, “but, God bless me! we + are not ungrateful.” + </p> + <p> + Old Phellion would rub his hands as he listened to his son’s account of + these evenings, beholding his dear and noble Felix already wedded to + Celeste. + </p> + <p> + But Celeste, the more she loved Felix, the more grave and serious she + became with him; partly because her mother sharply lectured her, saying to + her one evening:— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t give any hope whatever to that young Phellion. Neither your father + nor I can arrange your marriage. You have expectations to be consulted. It + is much less important to please a professor without a penny than to make + sure of the affection and good-will of Mademoiselle Brigitte and your + godfather. If you don’t want to kill your mother—yes, my dear, kill + her—you must obey me in this affair blindly; and remember that what + we want to secure, above all, is your good.” + </p> + <p> + As the date of the final sale was set for the last of July, Theodose + advised Brigitte by the end of June to arrange her affairs in time to be + ready for the payment. Accordingly, she now sold out her own and her + sister-in-law’s property in the Funds. The catastrophe of the treaty of + the four powers, an insult to France, is now an established historical + fact; but it is necessary to remind the reader that from July to the last + of August the French funds, alarmed by the prospect of war, a fear which + Monsieur Thiers did much to promote, fell twenty francs, and the + Three-per-cents went down to sixty. That was not all: this financial + fiasco had a most unfortunate influence on the value of real estate in + Paris; and all those who had such property then for sale suffered loss. + These events made Theodose a prophet in the eyes of Brigitte and + Thuillier, to whom the house was now about to be definitely sold for + seventy-five thousand francs. The notary, involved in the political + disaster, and whose practice was already sold, concealed himself for a + time in the country; but he took with him the ten thousand francs for + Claparon. Advised by Theodose, Thuillier made a contract with Grindot, who + supposed he was really working for the notary in finishing the house; and + as, during this period of financial depression, suspended work left many + workmen with their arms folded, the architect was able to finish off the + building in a splendid manner at a low cost. Theodose insisted that the + agreement should be in writing. + </p> + <p> + This purchase increased Thuillier’s importance ten-fold. As for the + notary, he had temporarily lost his head in presence of political events + which came upon him like a waterspout out of cloudless skies. Theodose, + certain now of his supremacy, holding Thuillier fast by his past services + and by the literary work in which they were both engaged, admired by + Brigitte for his modesty and discretion,—for never had he made the + slightest allusion to his own poverty or uttered one word about money,—Theodose + began to assume an air that was rather less servile than it had been. + Brigitte and Thuillier said to him one day:— + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can deprive you of our esteem; you are here in this house as if + in your own home; the opinion of Minard and Phellion, which you seem to + fear, has no more value for us than a stanza of Victor Hugo. Therefore, + let them talk! Carry your head high!” + </p> + <p> + “But we shall still need them for Thuillier’s election to the Chamber,” + said Theodose. “Follow my advice; you have found it good so far, haven’t + you? When the house is actually yours, you will have got it for almost + nothing; for you can now buy into the Three-per-cents at sixty in Madame + Thuillier’s name, and thus replace nearly the whole of her fortune. Wait + only for the expiration of the time allowed to the nominal creditor to buy + it in, and have the fifteen thousand francs ready for our scoundrels.” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte did not wait; she took her whole capital with the exception of a + sum of one hundred and twenty thousand francs, and bought into the + Three-per-cents in Madame Thuillier’s name to the amount of twelve + thousand francs a year, and in her own for ten thousand a year, resolving + in her own mind to choose no other kind of investment in future. She saw + her brother secure of forty thousand francs a year besides his pension, + twelve thousand a year for Madame Thuillier and eighteen thousand a year + for herself, besides the house they lived in, the rental of which she + valued at eight thousand. + </p> + <p> + “We are worth quite as much as the Minards,” she remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t chant victory before you win it,” said Theodose. “The right of + redemption doesn’t expire for another week. I have attended to your + affairs, but mine have gone terribly to pieces.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear child, you have friends,” cried Brigitte; “if you should happen + to want five hundred francs or so, you will always find them here.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose exchanged a smile with Thuillier, who hastened to carry him off, + saying:— + </p> + <p> + “Excuse my poor sister; she sees the world through a small hole. But if + you should want twenty-five thousand francs I’ll lend them to you—out + of my first rents,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier,” exclaimed Theodose, “the rope is round my neck. Ever since I + have been a barrister I have had notes of hand running. But say nothing + about it,” added Theodose, frightened himself at having let out the secret + of his situation. “I’m in the claws of scoundrels, but I hope to crush + them yet.” + </p> + <p> + In telling this secret Theodose, though alarmed as he did so, had a + two-fold purpose: first, to test Thuillier; and next, to avert the + consequences of a fatal blow which might be dealt to him any day in a + secret and sinister struggle he had long foreseen. Two words will explain + his horrible position. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. DEVILS AGAINST DEVILS + </h2> + <p> + During the extreme poverty of la Peyrade’s first years in Paris, none but + Cerizet had ever gone to see him in the wretched garret where, in severely + cold weather, he stayed in bed for want of clothes. Only one shirt + remained to him. For three days he lived on one loaf of bread, cutting it + into measured morsels, and asking himself, “What am I to do?” At this + moment it was that his former partner came to him, having just left + prison, pardoned. The projects which the two men then formed before a fire + of laths, one wrapped in his landlady’s counterpane, the other in his + infamy, it is useless to relate. The next day Cerizet, who had talked with + Dutocq in the course of the morning, returned, bringing trousers, + waistcoat, coat, hat, and boots, bought in the Temple, and he carried off + Theodose to dine with himself and Dutocq. The hungry Provencal ate at + Pinson’s, rue de l’Ancienne Comedie, half of a dinner costing forty-seven + francs. At dessert, after Theodose had drunk freely, Cerizet said to him:— + </p> + <p> + “Will you sign me bills of exchange for fifty thousand francs in your + capacity as a barrister?” + </p> + <p> + “You couldn’t get five thousand on them.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not your affair, but ours; I mean monsieur’s here, who is giving + us this dinner, and mine, in a matter where you risk nothing, but in which + you’ll get your title as barrister, a fine practice, and the hand in + marriage of a girl about the age of an old dog, and rich by twenty or + thirty thousand francs a year. Neither Dutocq nor I can marry her; but + we’ll equip you, give you the look of a decent man, feed and lodge you, + and set you up generally. Consequently, we want security. I don’t say that + on my own account, for I know you, but for monsieur here, whose proxy I + am. We’ll equip you as a pirate, hey! to do the white-slave trade! If we + can’t capture that ‘dot,’ we’ll try other plans. Between ourselves, none + of us need be particular what we touch—that’s plain enough. We’ll + give you careful instructions; for the matter is certain to take time, and + there’ll probably be some bother about it. Here, see, I have brought + stamped paper.” + </p> + <p> + “Waiter, pens and ink!” cried Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! I like fellows of that kind!” exclaimed Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + “Sign: ‘Theodose de la Peyrade,’ and after your name put ‘Barrister, rue + Saint-Dominique d’Enfer,’ under the words ‘Accepted for ten thousand.’ + We’ll date the notes and sue you,—all secretly, of course, but in + order to have a hold upon you; the owners of a privateer ought to have + security when the brig and the captain are at sea.” + </p> + <p> + The day after this interview the bailiff of the justice-of-peace did + Cerizet the service of suing la Peyrade secretly. He went to see the + barrister that evening, and the whole affair was done without any + publicity. The Court of commerce has a hundred such cases in the course of + one term. The strict regulations of the council of barristers of the bar + of Paris are well known. This body, and also the council of attorneys, + exercise severe discipline over their members. A barrister liable to go to + Clichy would be disbarred. Consequently, Cerizet, under Dutocq’s advice, + had taken against their puppet measures which were certain to secure to + each of them twenty-five thousand francs out of Celeste’s “dot.” In + signing the notes, Theodose saw but one thing,—his means of living + secured; but as time had gone on, and the horizon grew clearer, and he + mounted, step by step, to a better position on the social ladder, he began + to dream of getting rid of his associates. And now, on obtaining + twenty-five thousand francs from Thuillier, he hoped to treat on the basis + of fifty per cent for the return of his fatal notes by Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, this sort of infamous speculation is not an exceptional + fact; it takes place in Paris under various forms too little disguised for + the historian of manners and morals to pass them over unnoticed in a + complete and accurate picture of society in the nineteenth century. + Dutocq, an arrant scoundrel, still owed fifteen thousand francs on his + practice, and lived in hopes of something turning up to keep his head, as + the saying is, above water until the close of 1840. Up to the present time + none of the three confederates had flinched or groaned. Each felt his + strength and knew his danger. Equals they were in distrust, in + watchfulness; equals, too, in apparent confidence; and equally stolid in + silence and look when mutual suspicions rose to the surface of face or + speech. For the last two months the position of Theodose was acquiring the + strength of a detached fort. But Cerizet and Dutocq held it undermined by + a mass of powder, with the match ever lighted; but the wind might + extinguish the match or the devil might flood the mine. + </p> + <p> + The moment when wild beasts seize their food is always the most critical, + and that moment had now arrived for these three hungry tigers. Cerizet + would sometimes say to Theodose, with that revolutionary glance which + twice in this century sovereigns have had to meet:— + </p> + <p> + “I have made you king, and here am I still nothing! for it is nothing not + to be all.” + </p> + <p> + A reaction of envy was rushing its avalanche through Cerizet. Dutocq was + at the mercy of his copying clerk. Theodose would gladly have burned his + copartners could he have burned their papers in the same conflagration. + All three studied each other too carefully, in order to conceal their own + thoughts, not to be in turn divined. Theodose lived a life of three hells + as he thought of what lay below the cards, then of his own game, and then + of his future. His speech to Thuillier was a cry of despair; he threw his + lead into the waters of the old bourgeois and found there nothing more + than twenty-five thousand francs. + </p> + <p> + “And,” he said to himself as he went to his own room, “possibly nothing at + all a month hence.” + </p> + <p> + He new felt the deepest hatred to the Thuilliers. But Thuillier himself he + held by a harpoon stuck into the depths of the man’s vanity; namely, by + the projected work, entitled “Taxation and the Sinking Fund,” for which he + intended to rearrange the ideas of the Saint-Simonian “Globe,” giving them + a systematic form, and coloring them with his fervid Southern diction. + Thuillier’s bureaucratic knowledge of the subject would be of use to him + here. Theodose therefore clung to this rope, resolving to do battle, on so + poor a base of operations, with the vanity of a fool, which, according to + individual character, is either granite or sand. On reflection, Theodose + was inclined to be content with the prospect. + </p> + <p> + On the evening before the right of redemption expired, Claparon and + Cerizet proceeded to manipulate the notary in the following manner. + Cerizet, to whom Claparon had revealed the password and the notary’s + retreat, went out to this hiding-place to say to the latter:— + </p> + <p> + “One of my friends, Claparon, whom you know, has asked me to come and see + you; he will expect you to-morrow, in the evening, you know where. He has + the paper you expect from him, which he will exchange with you for the ten + thousand agreed upon; but I must be present, for five thousand of that sum + belong to me; and I warn you, my dear monsieur, that the name in the + counter-deed is in blank.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be there,” replied the ex-notary. + </p> + <p> + The poor devil waited the whole night in agonies of mind that can well be + imagined, for safety or inevitable ruin were in the balance. At sunrise he + saw approaching him, instead of Claparon, a bailiff of the Court of + commerce, who produced a judgment against him in regular form, and + informed him that he must go with him to Clichy. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet had made an arrangement with one of the creditors of the luckless + notary, pledging himself to deliver up the debtor on payment to himself of + half the debt. Out of the ten thousand francs promised to Claparon, the + victim of this trap was obliged, in order to obtain his liberty, to pay + six thousand down, the amount of his debt. + </p> + <p> + On receiving his share of this extortion Cerizet said to himself: “There’s + three thousand to make Cerizet clear out.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet then returned to the notary and said: “Claparon is a scoundrel, + monsieur; he has received fifteen thousand francs from the proposed + purchaser of your house, who will now, of course, become the owner. + Threaten to reveal his hiding-place to his creditors, and to have him sued + for fraudulent bankruptcy, and he’ll give you half.” + </p> + <p> + In his wrath the notary wrote a fulminating letter to Claparon. Claparon, + alarmed, feared an arrest, and Cerizet offered to get him a passport. + </p> + <p> + “You have played me many a trick, Claparon,” he said, “but listen to me + now, and you can judge of my kindness. I possess, as my whole means, three + thousand francs; I’ll give them to you; start for America, and make your + fortune there, as I’m trying to make mine here.” + </p> + <p> + That evening Claparon, carefully disguised by Cerizet, left for Havre by + the diligence. Cerizet remained master of the fifteen thousand francs to + be paid to Claparon, and he awaited Theodose with the payment thereof + tranquilly. + </p> + <p> + “The limit for bidding-in is passed,” thought Theodose, as he went to find + Dutocq and ask him to bring Cerizet to his office. “Suppose I were now to + make an effort to get rid of my leech?” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t settle this affair anywhere but at Cerizet’s, because Claparon + must be present, and he is hiding there,” said Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Theodose went, between seven and eight o’clock, to the den of + the “banker of the poor,” whom Dutocq had notified of his coming. Cerizet + received him in the horrible kitchen where miseries and sorrows were + chopped and cooked, as we have seen already. The pair then walked up and + down, precisely like two animals in a cage, while mutually playing the + following scene:— + </p> + <p> + “Have you brought the fifteen thousand francs?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but I have them at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not have them in your pocket?” asked Cerizet, sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you,” replied Theodose, who, as he walked from the rue + Saint-Dominique to the Estrapade, had decided on his course of action. + </p> + <p> + The Provencal, writhing upon the gridiron on which his partners held him, + became suddenly possessed with a good idea, which flashed from the body of + the live coal under him. Peril has gleams of light. He resolved to rely on + the power of frankness, which affects all men, even swindlers. Every one + is grateful to an adversary who bares himself to the waist in a duel. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said Cerizet, “now the humbug begins.” + </p> + <p> + The words seemed to come wholly through the hole in his nose with horrible + intonations. + </p> + <p> + “You have put me in a magnificent position, and I shall never forget the + service you have done me, my friend,” began Theodose, with emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s how you take it, is it?” said Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me; you don’t understand my intentions.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do!” replied the lender by “the little week.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you don’t.” + </p> + <p> + “You intend not to give up those fifteen thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose shrugged his shoulders and looked fixedly at Cerizet, who, struck + by the two motions, kept silence. + </p> + <p> + “Would you live in my position, knowing yourself within range of a cannon + loaded with grape-shot, without feeling a strong desire to get out of it? + Now listen to me carefully. You are doing a dangerous business, and you + would be glad enough to have some solid protection in the very heart of + the magistracy of Paris. If I can continue my present course, I shall be + substitute attorney-general, possibly attorney-general, in three years. I + offer you to-day the offices of a devoted friendship, which will serve you + hereafter most assuredly, if only to replace you in a honorable position. + Here are my conditions—” + </p> + <p> + “Conditions!” exclaimed Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “In ten minutes I will bring you twenty-five thousand francs if you return + to me all the notes which you have against me.” + </p> + <p> + “But Dutocq? and Claparon?” said Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Leave them in the lurch!” replied Theodose, with his lips at Cerizet’s + ear. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a pretty thing to say!” cried Cerizet. “And so you have invented + this little game of hocus-pocus because you hold in your fingers fifteen + thousand francs that don’t belong to you!” + </p> + <p> + “But I’ve added ten thousand francs to them. Besides, you and I know each + other.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are able to get ten thousand francs out of your bourgeois you can + surely get fifteen,” said Cerizet. “For thirty thousand I’m your man. + Frankness for frankness, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “You ask the impossible,” replied Theodose. “At this very moment, if you + had to do with Claparon instead of with me, your fifteen thousand would be + lost, for Thuillier is to-day the owner of that house.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll speak to Claparon,” said Cerizet, pretending to go and consult him, + and mounting the stairs to the bedroom, from which Claparon had only just + departed on his road to Havre. + </p> + <p> + The two adversaries had been speaking, we should here remark, in a manner + not to be overheard; and every time that Theodose raised his voice Cerizet + would make a gesture, intimating that Claparon, from above, might be + listening. The five minutes during which Theodose heard what seemed to be + the murmuring of two voices were torture to him, for he had staked his + very life upon the issue. Cerizet at last came down, with a smile upon his + lips, his eyes sparkling with infernal mischief, his whole frame quivering + in his joy, a Lucifer of gaiety! + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing, so it seems!” he cried, shaking his shoulders, “but + Claparon knows a great deal; he has worked with the big-wig bankers, and + when I told what you wanted he began to laugh, and said, ‘I thought as + much!’ You will have to bring me the twenty-five thousand you offer me + to-morrow morning, my lad; and as much more before you can recover your + notes.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Theodose, feeling his spinal column liquidizing as if the + discharge of some inward electric fluid had melted it. + </p> + <p> + “The house is ours.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Claparon has bit it in under the name of one of his creditors, a little + toad named Sauvaignou. Desroches, the lawyer, has taken the case, and + you’ll get a notice to-morrow. This affair will oblige Claparon, Dutocq, + and me to raise funds. What would become of me without Claparon! So I + forgive him—yes, I forgave him, and though you may not believe it, + my dear friend, I actually kissed him! Change your terms.” + </p> + <p> + The last three words were horrible to hear, especially when illustrated by + the face of the speaker, who amused himself by playing a scene from the + “Legataire,” all the while studying attentively the Provencal’s character. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Cerizet!” cried Theodose; “I, who wished to do you so much good!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you see, my dear fellow,” returned Cerizet, “that between you and + me there ought to be <i>this</i>,—” and he struck his heart,—“of + which you have none. As soon as you thought you had a lever on us, you + have tried to knock us over. I saved you from the horrors of starvation + and vermin! You’ll die like the idiot you are. We put you on the high-road + to fortune; we gave you a fine social skin and a position in which you + could grasp the future—and look what you do! <i>Now</i> I know you! + and from this time forth, we shall go armed.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is war between us!” exclaimed Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “You fired first,” returned Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “If you pull me down, farewell to your hopes and plans; if you don’t pull + me down, you have in me an enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what I said yesterday to Dutocq; but, how can we help it? We + are forced to choose between two alternatives—we must go according + to circumstances. I’m a good-natured fellow myself,” he added, after a + pause; “bring me your twenty-five thousand francs to-morrow morning and + Thuillier shall keep the house. We’ll continue to help you at both ends, + but you’ll have to pay up, my boy. After what has just happened that’s + pretty kind, isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + And Cerizet patted Theodose on the shoulder, with a cynicism that seemed + to brand him more than the iron of the galleys. + </p> + <p> + “Well, give me till to-morrow at mid-day,” replied the Provencal, “for + there’ll be, as you said, some manipulation to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll try to keep Claparon quiet; he’s in such a hurry, that man!” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow then,” said Theodose, in the tone of a man who decides his + course. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, friend,” said Cerizet, in his nasal tone, which degraded the + finest word in the language. “There’s one who has got a mouthful to suck!” + thought Cerizet, as he watched Theodose going down the street with the + step of a dazed man. + </p> + <p> + When la Peyrade reached the rue des Postes he went with rapid strides to + Madame Colleville’s house, exciting himself as he walked along, and + talking aloud. The fire of his roused passions and the sort of inward + conflagration of which many Parisians are conscious (for such situations + abound in Paris) brought him finally to a pitch of frenzy and eloquence + which found expression, as he turned into the rue des Deux-Eglises, in the + words:— + </p> + <p> + “I will kill him!” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a fellow who is not content!” said a passing workman, and the + jesting words calmed the incandescent madness to which Theodose was a + prey. + </p> + <p> + As he left Cerizet’s the idea came to him to go to Flavie and tell her + all. Southern natures are born thus—strong until certain passions + arise, and then collapsed. He entered Flavie’s room; she was alone, and + when she saw Theodose she fancied her last hour had come. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “I—I—” he said. “Do you love me, Flavie?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! how can you doubt it?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you love me absolutely?—if I were criminal, even?” + </p> + <p> + “Has he murdered some one?” she thought, replying to his question by a + nod. + </p> + <p> + Theodose, thankful to seize even this branch of willow, drew a chair + beside Flavie’s sofa, and there gave way to sobs that might have touched + the oldest judge, while torrents of tears began to flow from his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Flavie rose and left the room to say to her maid: “I am not at home to any + one.” Then she closed all doors and returned to Theodose, moved to the + utmost pitch of maternal solicitude. She found him stretched out, his head + thrown back, and weeping. He had taken out his handkerchief, and when + Flavie tried to move it from his face it was heavy with tears. + </p> + <p> + “But what is the matter?” she asked; “what ails you?” + </p> + <p> + Nature, more impressive than art, served Theodose well; no longer was he + playing a part; he was himself; this nervous crisis and these tears were + the winding up of his preceding scenes of acted comedy. + </p> + <p> + “You are a child,” she said, in a gentle voice, stroking his hair softly. + </p> + <p> + “I have but you, you only, in all the world!” he replied, kissing her + hands with a sort of passion; “and if you are true to me, if you are mine, + as the body belongs to the soul and the soul to the body, then—” he + added, recovering himself with infinite grace, “<i>Then</i> I can have + courage.” + </p> + <p> + He rose, and walked about the room. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will struggle; I will recover my strength, like Antaeus, from a + fall; I will strangle with my own hands the serpents that entwine me, that + kiss with serpent kisses, that slaver my cheeks, that suck my blood, my + honor! Oh, misery! oh, poverty! Oh, how great are they who can stand erect + and carry high their heads! I had better have let myself die of hunger, + there, on my wretched pallet, three and a half years ago! A coffin is a + softer bed to lie in than the life I lead! It is eighteen months that I + have <i>fed on bourgeois</i>! and now, at the moment of attaining an + honest, fortunate life, a magnificent future, at the moment when I was + about to sit down to the social banquet, the executioner strikes me on the + shoulder! Yes, the monster! he struck me there, on my shoulder, and said + to me: ‘Pay thy dues to the devil, or die!’ And shall I not crush them? + Shall I not force my arm down their throats to their very entrails? Yes, + yes, I will, I will! See, Flavie, my eyes are dry now. Ha, ha! now I + laugh; I feel my strength come back to me; power is mine! Oh! say that you + love me; say it again! At this moment it sounds like the word ‘Pardon’ to + the man condemned to death!” + </p> + <p> + “You are terrible, my friend!” cried Flavie. “Oh! you are killing me.” + </p> + <p> + She understood nothing of all this, but she fell upon the sofa, exhausted + by the spectacle. Theodose flung himself at her feet. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me! forgive me!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “But what is the matter? what is it?” she asked again. + </p> + <p> + “They are trying to destroy me. Oh! promise to give me Celeste, and you + shall see what a glorious life I will make you share. If you hesitate—very + good; that is saying you will be wholly mine, and I will have you!” + </p> + <p> + He made so rapid a movement that Flavie, terrified, rose and moved away. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my saint!” he cried, “at thy feet I fall—a miracle! God is for + me, surely! A flash of light has come to me—an idea—suddenly! + Oh, thanks, my good angel, my grand Saint-Theodose! thou hast saved me!” + </p> + <p> + Flavie could not help admiring that chameleon being; one knee on the + floor, his hands crossed on his breast, and his eyes raised to heaven in + religious ecstasy, he recited a prayer; he was a fervent Catholic; he + reverently crossed himself. It was fine; like the vision of Saint-Jerome. + </p> + <p> + “Adieu!” he said, with a melancholy look and a moving tone of voice. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Flavie, “leave me this handkerchief.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose rushed away like one possessed, sprang into the street, and + darted towards the Thuilliers’, but turned, saw Flavie at her window, and + made her a little sign of triumph. + </p> + <p> + “What a man!” she thought to herself. + </p> + <p> + “Dear, good friend,” he said to Thuillier, in a calm and gentle, almost + caressing voice, “we have fallen into the hands of atrocious scoundrels. + But I mean to read them a lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” asked Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “They want twenty-five thousand francs, and, in order to get the better of + us, the notary, or his accomplices, have determined to bid in the + property. Thuillier, put five thousand francs in your pocket and come with + me; I will secure that house to you. I am making myself implacable + enemies!” he cried; “they are seeking to destroy me morally. But all I ask + is that you will disregard their infamous calumnies and feel no change of + heart to me. After all, what is it? If I succeed, you will only have paid + one hundred and twenty-five thousand francs for the house instead of one + hundred and twenty.” + </p> + <p> + “Provided the same thing doesn’t happen again,” said Brigitte, uneasily, + her eyes dilating under the effect of a violent suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “Preferred creditors have alone the right to bid in property, and as, in + this case, there is but one, and he has used that right, we are safe. The + amount of his claim is really only two thousand francs, but there are + lawyers, attorneys, and so forth, to pay in such matters, and we shall + have to drop a note of a thousand francs to make the creditor happy.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, Thuillier,” said Brigitte, “get your hat and gloves, and take the + money—from you know where.” + </p> + <p> + “As I paid those fifteen thousand francs without success, I don’t wish to + have any more money pass through my hands. Thuillier must pay it himself,” + said Theodose, when he found himself alone with Brigitte. “You have, + however, gained twenty thousand on the contract I enabled you to make with + Grindot, who thought he was serving the notary, and you own a piece of + property which in five years will be worth nearly a million. It is what is + called a ‘boulevard corner.’” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte listened uneasily, precisely like a cat which hears a mouse + within the wall. She looked Theodose straight in the eye, and, in spite of + the truth of his remarks, doubts possessed her. + </p> + <p> + “What troubles you, little aunt?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I shall be in mortal terror until that property is securely ours.” + </p> + <p> + “You would be willing to give twenty thousand francs, wouldn’t you,” said + Theodose, “to make sure that Thuillier was what we call, in law, ‘owner + not dispossessable’ of that property? Well, then, remember that I have + saved you twice that amount.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are we going?” asked Thuillier, returning. + </p> + <p> + “To Maitre Godeschal! We must employ him as our attorney.” + </p> + <p> + “But we refused him for Celeste.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s one reason for going to him,” replied Theodose. “I have + taken his measure; he’s a man of honor, and he’ll think it a fine thing to + do you a service.” + </p> + <p> + Godeschal, now Derville’s successor, had formerly been, for more than two + years, head-clerk with Desroches. Theodose, to whom that circumstance was + known, seemed to hear the name flung into his ear in the midst of his + despair by an inward voice, and he foresaw a possibility of wrenching from + the hands of Claparon the weapon with which Cerizet had threatened him. He + must, however, in the first instance, gain an entrance to Desroches, and + get some light on the actual situation of his enemies. Godeschal, by + reason of the intimacy still existing between the former clerk and his old + master, could be his go-between. When the attorneys of Paris have ties + like those which bound Godeschal and Desroches together, they live in true + fraternity, and the result is a facility in arranging any matters which + are, as one may say, arrangeable. They obtain from one another, on the + ground of reciprocity, all possible concessions by the application of the + proverb, “Pass me the rhubarb, and I’ll pass you the senna,” which is put + in practice in all professions, between ministers, soldiers, judges, + business men; wherever, in short, enmity has not raised barriers too + strong and high between the parties. + </p> + <p> + “I gain a pretty good fee out of this compromise,” is a reason that needs + no expression in words: it is visible in the gesture, the tone, the + glance; and as attorneys and solicitors meet constantly on this ground, + the matter, whatever it is, is arranged. The counterpoise of this + fraternal system is found in what we may call professional conscience. The + public must believe the physician who says, giving medical testimony, + “This body contains arsenic”; nothing is supposed to exceed the integrity + of the legislator, the independence of the cabinet minister. In like + manner, the attorney of Paris says to his brother lawyer, good-humoredly, + “You can’t obtain that; my client is furious,” and the other answers, + “Very good; I must do without it.” + </p> + <p> + Now, la Peyrade, a shrewd man, had worn his legal gown about the Palais + long enough to know how these judicial morals might be made to serve his + purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Sit in the carriage,” he said to Thuillier, when they reached the rue + Vivienne, where Godeschal was now master of the practice he had formerly + served as clerk. “You needn’t show yourself until he undertakes the + affair.” + </p> + <p> + It was eleven o’clock at night; la Peyrade was not mistaken in supposing + that he should find a newly fledged master of a practice in his office at + that hour. + </p> + <p> + “To what do I owe this visit, monsieur?” said Godeschal, coming forward to + meet the barrister. + </p> + <p> + Foreigners, provincials, and persons in high society may not be aware that + barristers are to attorneys what generals are to marshals. There exists a + line of demarcation, strictly maintained, between the order of barristers + and the guild of attorneys and solicitors in Paris. However venerable an + attorney may be, however capable and strong in his profession, he must go + to the barrister. The attorney is the administrator, who maps out the plan + of the campaign, collects the munitions of war, and puts the force in + motion; the barrister gives battle. It is not known why the law gives a + man two men to defend him any more than it is known why an author is + forced to have both printer and publisher. The rules of the bar forbid its + members to do any act belonging to the guild of attorneys. It is very rare + that a barrister puts his foot in an attorney’s office; the two classes + meet in the law-courts. In society, there is no barrier between them, and + some barristers, those in la Peyrade’s situation particularly, demean + themselves by calling occasionally on attorneys, though even these cases + are rare, and are usually excused by some special urgency. + </p> + <p> + “I have come on important business,” replied la Peyrade; “it concerns, + especially, a question of delicacy which you and I ought to solve + together. Thuillier is below, in a carriage, and I have come up to see + you, not as a barrister, but as his friend. You are in a position to do + him an immense service; and I have told him that you have too noble a soul + (as a worthy successor of our great Derville must have) not to put your + utmost capacity at his orders. Here’s the affair.” + </p> + <p> + After explaining, wholly to his own advantage, the swindling trick which + must, he said, be met with caution and ability, the barrister developed + his plan of campaign. + </p> + <p> + “You ought, my dear maitre, to go this very evening to Desroches, explain + the whole plot and persuade him to send to-morrow for his client, this + Sauvaignou. We’ll confess the fellow between us, and if he wants a note + for a thousand francs over and above the amount of his claim, we’ll let + him have it; not counting the five hundred for you and as much more for + Desroches, provided Thuillier receives the relinquishment of his claim by + ten o’clock to-morrow morning. What does this Sauvaignou want? Nothing but + money. Well, a haggler like that won’t resist the attraction of an extra + thousand francs, especially if he is only the instrument of a cupidity + behind him. It is no matter to us how he fights it out with those who + prompt him. Now, then, do you think you can get the Thuillier family out + of this?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go and see Desroches at once,” said Godeschal. + </p> + <p> + “Not before Thuillier gives you a power of attorney and five hundred + francs. The money should be on the table in a case like this.” + </p> + <p> + After the interview with Thuillier was over, la Peyrade took Godeschal in + the carriage to the rue du Bethizy, where Desroches lived, explaining that + it was on their way back to the rue Saint-Dominique d’Enfer. When they + stopped at Desroches’s door la Peyrade made an appointment with Godeschal + to meet him there the next morning at seven o’clock. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade’s whole future and fortune lay in the outcome of this + conference. It is therefore not astonishing that he disregarded the + customs of the bar and went to Desroches’s office, to study Sauvaignou and + take part in the struggle, in spite of the danger he ran in thus placing + himself visibly before the eyes of one of the most dreaded attorneys in + Paris. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the office and made his salutations, he took note of + Sauvaignou. The man was, as the name had already told him, from + Marseilles,—the foreman of a master-carpenter, entrusted with the + giving out of sub-contracts. The profits of this work consisted of what he + could make between the price he paid for the work and that paid to him by + the master-carpenter; this agreement being exclusive of material, his + contract being only for labor. The master-carpenter had failed. Sauvaignou + had thereupon appealed to the court of commerce for recognition as + creditor with a lien on the property. He was a stocky little man, dressed + in a gray linen blouse, with a cap on his head, and was seated in an + armchair. Three banknotes, of a thousand francs each, lying visibly before + him on Desroches’s desk, informed la Peyrade that the negotiation had + already taken place, and that the lawyers were worsted. Godeschal’s eyes + told the rest, and the glance which Desroches cast at the “poor man’s + advocate” was like the blow of a pick-axe into the earth of a grave. + Stimulated by his danger, the Provencal became magnificent. He coolly took + up the bank-notes and folded them, as if to put them in his pocket, saying + to Desroches:— + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier has changed his mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; then we are all agreed,” said the terrible attorney. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; your client must now hand over to us the fifty thousand francs we + have spent on finishing the house, according to the contract between + Thuillier and Grindot. I did not tell you that yesterday,” he added, + turning to Godeschal. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear that?” said Desroches to Sauvaignou. “That’s a case I shall + not touch without proper guarantees.” + </p> + <p> + “But, messieurs,” said Sauvaignou, “I can’t negotiate this matter until I + have seen the worthy man who paid me five hundred francs on account for + having signed him that bit of a proxy.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you from Marseilles?” said la Peyrade, in patois. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if he tackles him with patois the fellow is beaten,” said Godeschal + to Desroches in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur,” replied the Marseillais. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you poor devil,” continued Theodose, “don’t you see that they want + to ruin you? Shall I tell you what you ought to do? Pocket these three + thousand francs, and when your worthy man comes after you, take your rule + and hit him a rap over the knuckles; tell him he’s a rascal who wants you + to do his dirty work, and instead of that you revoke your proxy and will + pay him his five hundred francs in the week with three Thursdays. Then be + off with you to Marseilles with these three thousand francs and your + savings in your pocket. If anything happens to you there, let me know + through these gentlemen, and I’ll get you out of the scrape; for, don’t + you see? I’m not only a Provencal, but I’m also one of the leading lawyers + in Paris, and the friend of the poor.” + </p> + <p> + When the workman found a compatriot sanctioning in a tone of authority the + reasons by which he could betray Cerizet, he capitulated, asking, however, + for three thousand five hundred francs. That demand having been granted he + remarked:— + </p> + <p> + “It is none too much for a rap over the knuckles; he might put me in + prison for assault.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you needn’t strike unless he insults you,” replied la Peyrade, “and + that’s self-defence.” + </p> + <p> + When Desroches had assured him that la Peyrade was really a barrister in + good standing, Sauvaignou signed the relinquishment, which contained a + receipt for the amount, principal and interest, of his claim, made in + duplicate between himself and Thuillier, and witnessed by the two + attorneys; so that the paper was a final settlement of the whole matter. + </p> + <p> + “We’ll leave the remaining fifteen hundred between you,” whispered la + Peyrade to Desroches and Godeschal, “on condition that you give me the + relinquishment, which I will have Thuillier accept and sign before his + notary, Cardot. Poor man! he never closed his eyes all night!” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” replied Desroches. “You may congratulate yourself,” he added, + making Sauvaignou sign the paper, “that you’ve earned that money pretty + easily.” + </p> + <p> + “It is really mine, isn’t it, monsieur?” said the Marseillais, already + uneasy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and legally, too,” replied Desroches, “only you must let your man + know this morning that you have revoked your proxy under date of + yesterday. Go out through my clerk’s office, here, this way.” + </p> + <p> + Desroches told his head-clerk what the man was to do, and he sent a + pupil-clerk with him to see that a sheriff’s officer carried the notice to + Cerizet before ten o’clock. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Desroches,” said la Peyrade, pressing the attorney’s hand; + “you think of everything; I shall never forget this service.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t deposit the deed with Cardot till after twelve o’clock,” returned + Desroches. + </p> + <p> + “Hay! comrade,” cried the barrister, in Provencal, following Sauvaignou + into the next room, “take your Margot to walk about Belleville, and be + sure you don’t go home.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear,” said Sauvaignou. “I’m off to-morrow; adieu!” + </p> + <p> + “Adieu,” returned la Peyrade, with a Provencal cry. + </p> + <p> + “There is something behind all this,” said Desroches in an undertone to + Godeschal, as la Peyrade followed Sauvaignou into the clerk’s office. + </p> + <p> + “The Thuilliers get a splendid piece of property for next to nothing,” + replied Godeschal; “that’s all.” + </p> + <p> + “La Peyrade and Cerizet look to me like two divers who are fighting under + water,” replied Desroches. “What am I to say to Cerizet, who put the + matter into my hands?” he added, as the barrister returned to them. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him that Sauvaignou forced your hand,” replied la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “And you fear nothing?” said Desroches, in a sudden manner. + </p> + <p> + “I? oh no! I want to give Cerizet a lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, I shall know the truth,” said Desroches, in a low tone, to + Godeschal; “no one chatters like a beaten man.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade departed, carrying with him the deed of relinquishment. At + eleven o’clock he was in the courtroom of the justice-of-peace, perfectly + calm, and firm. When he saw Cerizet come in, pale with rage, his eyes full + of venom, he said in his ear:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend, I’m a pretty good fellow myself, and I hold that + twenty-five thousand francs in good bank-bills at your disposal, whenever + you will return to me those notes of mine which you hold.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet looked at the advocate of the poor, without being able to say one + word in reply; he was green; the bile had struck in. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. THE PERVERSITY OF DOVES + </h2> + <p> + “I am a non-dispossessable property-owner!” cried Thuillier, coming home + after visiting his notary. “No human power can get that house away from + me. Cardot says so.” + </p> + <p> + The bourgeoisie think much more of what their notary tells them than of + what their attorney says. The notary is nearer to them than any other + ministerial officer. The Parisian bourgeois never pays a visit to his + attorney without a sense of fear; whereas he mounts the stairs with + ever-renewed pleasure to see his notary; he admires that official’s virtue + and his sound good sense. + </p> + <p> + “Cardot, who is looking for an apartment for one of his clients, wants to + know about our second floor,” continued Thuillier. “If I choose he’ll + introduce to me on Sunday a tenant who is ready to sign a lease for + eighteen years at forty thousand francs and taxes! What do you say to + that, Brigitte?” + </p> + <p> + “Better wait,” she replied. “Ah! that dear Theodose, what a fright he gave + me!” + </p> + <p> + “Hey! my dearest girl, I must tell you that when Cardot asked who put me + in the way of this affair he said I owed him a present of at least ten + thousand francs. The fact is, I owe it all to him.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is the son of the house,” responded Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “Poor lad! I’ll do him the justice to say that he asks for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, dear, good friend,” said la Peyrade, coming in about three o’clock, + “here you are, richissime!” + </p> + <p> + “And through you, Theodose.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, little aunt, have you come to life again? Ah! you were not half + as frightened as I was. I put your interests before my own; I haven’t + breathed freely till this morning at eleven o’clock; and yet I am sure now + of having two mortal enemies at my heels in the two men I have tricked for + your sake. As I walked home, just now, I asked myself what could be your + influence over me to make me commit such a crime, and whether the + happiness of belonging to your family and becoming your son could ever + efface the stain I have put upon my conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! you can confess it,” said Thuillier, the free-thinker. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Theodose to Brigitte, “you can pay, in all security, the + cost of the house,—eighty thousand francs, and thirty thousand to + Grindot; in all, with what you have paid in costs, one hundred and twenty + thousand; and this last twenty thousand added make one hundred and forty + thousand. If you let the house outright to a single tenant ask him for the + last year’s rent in advance, and reserve for my wife and me the whole of + the first floor above the entresol. Make those conditions and you’ll still + get your forty thousand francs a year. If you should want to leave this + quarter so as to be nearer the Chamber, you can always take up your abode + with us on that vast first floor, which has stables and coach-house + belonging to it; in fact, everything that is needful for a splendid life. + And now, Thuillier, I am going to get the cross of the Legion of honor for + you.” + </p> + <p> + Hearing this last promise, Brigitte cried out in her enthusiasm:— + </p> + <p> + “Faith! my dear boy, you’ve done our business so well that I’ll leave you + to manage that of letting the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t abdicate, dear aunt,” replied Theodose. “God keep me from ever + taking a step without you! You are the good genius of this family; I think + only of the day when Thuillier will take his seat in the Chamber. If you + let the house you will come into possession of your forty thousand francs + for the last year of the lease in two months from now; and that will not + prevent Thuillier from drawing his quarterly ten thousand of the rental.” + </p> + <p> + After casting this hope into the mind of the old maid, who was jubilant, + Theodose drew Thuillier into the garden and said to him, without beating + round the bush:— + </p> + <p> + “Dear, good friend, find means to get ten thousand francs from your + sister, and be sure not to let her suspect that you pay them to me; tell + her that sum is required in the government office to facilitate your + appointment as chevalier of the Legion of honor; tell her, too, that you + know the persons among whom that sum should be distributed.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a good idea,” said Thuillier; “besides, I’ll pay it back to her + when I get my rents.” + </p> + <p> + “Have the money ready this evening, dear friend. Now I am going out on + business about your cross; to-morrow we shall know something definitely + about it.” + </p> + <p> + “What a man you are!” cried Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “The ministry of the 1st of March is going to fall, and we must get it out + of them beforehand,” said Theodose, shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + He now hurried to Madame Colleville, crying out as he entered her room:— + </p> + <p> + “I’ve conquered! We shall have a piece of landed property for Celeste + worth a million, a life-interest in which will be given to her by her + marriage-contract; but keep the secret, or your daughter will be hunted + down by peers of France. Besides, this settlement will only be made in my + favor. Now dress yourself, and let us go and call on Madame du Bruel; she + can get the cross for Thuillier. While you are getting under arms I’ll do + a little courting to Celeste; you and I can talk as we drive along.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade had seen, as he passed the door of the salon, Celeste and Felix + Phellion in close conversation. Flavie had such confidence in her daughter + that she did not fear to leave them together. Now that the great success + of the morning was secured, Theodose felt the necessity of beginning his + courtship of Celeste. It was high time, he thought, to bring about a + quarrel between the lovers. He did not, therefore, hesitate to apply his + ear to the door of the salon before entering it, in order to discover what + letters of the alphabet of love they were spelling; he was even invited to + commit this domestic treachery by sounds from within, which seemed to say + that they were disputing. Love, according to one of our poets, is a + privilege which two persons mutually take advantage of to cause each + other, reciprocally, a great deal of sorrow about nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + When Celeste knew that Felix was elected by her heart to be the companion + of her life, she felt a desire, not so much to study him as to unite + herself closely with him by that communion of souls which is the basis of + all affections, and leads, in youthful minds, to involuntary examination. + The dispute to which Theodose was now to listen took its rise in a + disagreement which had sprung up within the last few days between the + mathematician and Celeste. The young girl’s piety was real; she belonged + to the flock of the truly faithful, and to her, Catholicism, tempered by + that mysticism which attracts young souls, was an inward poem, a life + within her life. From this point young girls are apt to develop into + either extremely high-minded women or saints. But, during this beautiful + period of their youth they have in their heart, in their ideas, a sort of + absolutism: before their eyes is the image of perfection, and all must be + celestial, angelic, or divine to satisfy them. Outside of their ideal, + nothing of good can exist; all is stained and soiled. This idea causes the + rejection of many a diamond with a flaw by girls who, as women, fall in + love with paste. + </p> + <p> + Now, Celeste had seen in Felix, not irreligion, but indifference to + matters of religion. Like most geometricians, chemists, mathematicians, + and great naturalists, he had subjected religion to reason; he recognized + a problem in it as insoluble as the squaring of the circle. Deist “in + petto,” he lived in the religion of most Frenchmen, not attaching more + importance to it than he did to the new laws promulgated in July. It was + necessary to have a God in heaven, just as they set up a bust of the king + at the mayor’s office. Felix Phellion, a worthy son of his father, had + never drawn the slightest veil over his opinions or his conscience; he + allowed Celeste to read into them with the candor and the inattention of a + student of problems. The young girl, on her side, professed a horror for + atheism, and her conscience assured her that a deist was cousin-germain to + an atheist. + </p> + <p> + “Have you thought, Felix, of doing what you promised me?” asked Celeste, + as soon as Madame Colleville had left them alone. + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear Celeste,” replied Felix. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! to have broken his word!” she cried, softly. + </p> + <p> + “But to have kept it would have been a profanation,” said Felix. “I love + you so deeply, with a tenderness so little proof against your wishes, that + I promised a thing contrary to my conscience. Conscience, Celeste, is our + treasure, our strength, our mainstay. How can you ask me to go into a + church and kneel at the feet of a priest, in whom I can see only a man? + You would despise me if I obeyed you.” + </p> + <p> + “And so, my dear Felix, you refuse to go to church,” said Celeste, casting + a tearful glance at the man she loved. “If I were your wife you would let + me go alone? You do not love me as I love you! for, alas! I have a feeling + in my heart for an atheist contrary to that which God commands.” + </p> + <p> + “An atheist!” cried Felix. “Oh, no! Listen to me, Celeste. There is + certainly a God; I believe in that; but I have higher ideas of Him than + those of your priests; I do not wish to bring Him down to my level; I want + to rise to Him. I listen to the voice He has put within me,—a voice + which honest men call conscience, and I strive not to darken that divine + ray as it comes to me. For instance, I will never harm others; I will do + nothing against the commandments of universal morality, which was that of + Confucius, Moses, Pythagoras, Socrates, as well as of Jesus Christ. I will + stand in the presence of God; my actions shall be my prayers; I will never + be false in word or deed; never will I do a base or shameful thing. Those + are the precepts I have learned from my virtuous father, and which I + desire to bequeath to my children. All the good that I can do I shall try + to accomplish, even if I have to suffer for it. What can you ask more of a + man than that?” + </p> + <p> + This profession of the Phellion faith caused Celeste to sadly shake her + head. + </p> + <p> + “Read attentively,” she replied, “‘The Imitation of Jesus Christ.’ Strive + to convert yourself to the holy Catholic, apostolic, and Roman Church, and + you will see how empty your words are. Hear me, Felix; marriage is not, + the Church says, the affair of a day, the mere satisfaction of our own + desires; it is made for eternity. What! shall we be united day and night, + shall we form one flesh, one word, and yet have two languages, two faiths + in our heart, and a cause of perpetual dissension? Would you condemn me to + weep tears over the state of your soul,—tears that I must ever + conceal from you? Could I address myself in peace to God when I see his + arm stretched out in wrath against you? Must my children inherit the blood + of a deist and his convictions? Oh! God, what misery for a wife! No, no, + these ideas are intolerable. Felix! be of my faith, for I cannot share + yours. Do not put a gulf between us. If you loved me, you would already + have read ‘The Imitation of Jesus Christ.’” + </p> + <p> + The Phellion class, sons of the “Constitutionnel,” dislike the priestly + mind. Felix had the imprudence to reply to this sort of prayer from the + depths of an ardent heart:— + </p> + <p> + “You are repeating, Celeste, the lessons your confessor teaches you; + nothing, believe me, is more fatal to happiness than the interference of + priests in a home.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” cried Celeste, wounded to the quick, for love alone inspired her, + “you do not love! The voice of my heart is not in unison with yours! You + have not understood me, because you have not listened to me; but I forgive + you, for you know not what you say.” + </p> + <p> + She wrapped herself in solemn silence, and Felix went to the window and + drummed upon the panes,—music familiar to those who have indulged in + poignant reflections. Felix was, in fact, presenting the following + delicate and curious questions to the Phellion conscience. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste is a rich heiress, and, in yielding against the voice of natural + religion, to her ideas, I should have in view the making of what is + certainly an advantageous marriage,—an infamous act. I ought not, as + father of a family, to allow the priesthood to have an influence in my + home. If I yield to-day, I do a weak act, which will be followed by many + others equally pernicious to the authority of a husband and father. All + this is unworthy of a philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + Then he returned to his beloved. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste, I entreat you on my knees,” he said, “not to mingle that which + the law, in its wisdom, has separated. We live in two worlds,—society + and heaven. Each has its own way of salvation; but as to society, is it + not obeying God to obey the laws? Christ said: ‘Render unto Caesar that + which is Caesar’s.’ Caesar is the body politic. Dear, let us forget our + little quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Little quarrel!” cried the young enthusiast; “I want you to have my whole + heart as I want to have the whole of yours; and you make it into two + parts! Is not that an evil? You forget that marriage is a sacrament.” + </p> + <p> + “Your priesthood have turned your head,” exclaimed the mathematician, + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Phellion,” said Celeste, interrupting him hastily, “enough of + this!” + </p> + <p> + It was at this point of the quarrel that Theodose considered it judicious + to enter the room. He found Celeste pale, and the young professor as + anxious as a lover should be who has just irritated his mistress. + </p> + <p> + “I heard the word ‘enough’; then something is too much?” he said, + inquiringly, looking in turn from Celeste to Felix. + </p> + <p> + “We were talking religion,” replied Felix, “and I was saying to + mademoiselle how dangerous ecclesiastical influence is in the bosom of + families.” + </p> + <p> + “That was not the point, monsieur,” said Celeste, sharply; “it was to know + if husband and wife could be of one heart when the one is an atheist and + the other Catholic.” + </p> + <p> + “Can there be such a thing as atheists?” cried Theodose, with all the + signs of extreme wonderment. “Could a true Catholic marry a Protestant? + There is no safety possible for a married pair unless they have perfect + conformity in the matter of religious opinions. I, who come from the + Comtat, of a family which counts a pope among its ancestors—for our + arms are: gules, a key argent, with supporters, a monk holding a church, + and a pilgrim with a staff, or, and the motto, ‘I open, I shut’—I + am, of course, intensely dogmatic on such points. But in these days, + thanks to our modern system of education, it does not seem to me strange + that religion should be called into question. I myself would never marry a + Protestant, had she millions, even if I loved her distractedly. Faith is a + thing that cannot be tampered with. ‘Una fides, unus Dominus,’ that is my + device in life.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear that!” cried Celeste, triumphantly, looking at Felix Phellion. + </p> + <p> + “I am not openly devout,” continued la Peyrade. “I go to mass at six every + morning, that I may not be observed; I fast on Fridays; I am, in short, a + son of the Church, and I would not undertake any serious enterprise + without prayer, after the ancient fashion of our ancestors; but no one is + able to notice my religion. A singular thing happened to our family during + the Revolution of 1789, which attached us more closely than ever to our + holy mother the Church. A poor young lady of the elder branch of the + Peyrades, who owned the little estate of la Peyrade,—for we + ourselves are Peyrades of Canquoelle, but the two branches inherit from + one another,—well, this young lady married, six years before the + Revolution, a barrister who, after the fashion of the times, was + Voltairean, that is to say, an unbeliever, or, if you choose, a deist. He + took up all the revolutionary ideas, and practised the charming rites that + you know of in the worship of the goddess Reason. He came into our part of + the country imbued with the ideas of the Convention, and fanatical about + them. His wife was very handsome; he compelled her to play the part of + Liberty; and the poor unfortunate creature went mad. She died insane! + Well, as things are going now it looks as if we might have another 1793.” + </p> + <p> + This history, invented on the spot, made such an impression on Celeste’s + fresh and youthful imagination that she rose, bowed to the young men and + hastened to her chamber. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur, why did you tell her that?” cried Felix, struck to the + heart by the cold look the young girl, affecting profound indifference, + cast upon him. She fancied herself transformed into a goddess of Reason. + </p> + <p> + “Why not? What were you talking about?” asked Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “About my indifference to religion.” + </p> + <p> + “The great sore of this century,” replied Theodose, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready,” said Madame Colleville, appearing in a toilet of much taste. + “But what is the matter with my poor daughter? She is crying!” + </p> + <p> + “Crying? madame,” exclaimed Felix; “please tell her that I will study ‘The + Imitation of Christ’ at once.” + </p> + <p> + Felix left the house with Theodose and Flavie, whose arm the barrister + pressed to let her know he would explain in the carriage the apparent + dementia of the young professor. + </p> + <p> + An hour later, Madame Colleville and Celeste, Colleville and Theodose were + entering the Thuilliers’ apartment to dine there. Theodose and Flavie took + Thuillier into the garden, where the former said to him:— + </p> + <p> + “Dear, good friend! you will have the cross within a week. Our charming + friend here will tell you about our visit to the Comtesse du Bruel.” + </p> + <p> + And Theodose left Thuillier, having caught sight of Desroches in the act + of being brought by Mademoiselle Thuillier into the garden; he went, + driven by a terrible and glacial presentiment, to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “My good friend,” said Desroches in his ear, “I have come to see if you + can procure at once twenty-five thousand francs plus two thousand six + hundred and eighty for costs.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you acting for Cerizet?” asked the barrister. + </p> + <p> + “Cerizet has put all the papers into the hands of Louchard, and you know + what you have to expect if arrested. Is Cerizet wrong in thinking you have + twenty-five thousand francs in your desk? He says you offered them to him + and he thinks it only natural not to leave them in your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for taking the step, my good friend,” replied Theodose. “I have + been expecting this attack.” + </p> + <p> + “Between ourselves,” replied Desroches, “you have made an utter fool of + him, and he is furious. The scamp will stop at nothing to get his revenge + upon you—for he’ll lose everything if he forces you to fling your + barrister’s gown, as they say, to the nettles and go to prison.” + </p> + <p> + “I?” said Theodose. “I’m going to pay him. But even so, there will still + be five notes of mine in his hands, for five thousand francs each; what + does he mean to do with them?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! after the affair of this morning, I can’t tell you; my client is a + crafty, mangy cur, and he is sure to have his little plans.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Desroches,” said Theodose, taking the hard, unyielding + attorney round the waist, “those papers are in your hands, are not they?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you pay them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, in three hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, then. Be at my office at nine o’clock; I’ll receive the money + and give you your notes; <i>but</i>, at half-past nine o’clock, they will + be in the sheriff’s hands.” + </p> + <p> + “To-night, then, at nine o’clock,” said Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “Nine o’clock,” repeated Desroches, whose glance had taken in the whole + family, then assembled in the garden. + </p> + <p> + Celeste, with red eyes, was talking to her godmother; Colleville and + Brigitte, Flavie and Thuillier were on the steps of the broad portico + leading to the entrance-hall. Desroches remarked to Theodose, who followed + him to the door:— + </p> + <p> + “You can pay off those notes.” + </p> + <p> + At a single glance the shrewd attorney had comprehended the whole scheme + of the barrister. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. ONE OF CERIZET’S FEMALE CLIENTS + </h2> + <p> + The next morning, at daybreak, Theodose went to the office of the banker + of the poor, to see the effect produced upon his enemy by the punctual + payment of the night before, and to make another effort to get rid of his + hornet. + </p> + <p> + He found Cerizet standing up, in conference with a woman, and he received + an imperative sign to keep at a distance and not to interrupt the + interview. The barrister was therefore reduced to conjectures as to the + importance of this woman, an importance revealed by the eager look on the + face of the lender “by the little week.” Theodose had a presentiment, + though a very vague one, that the upshot of this conference would have + some influence on Cerizet’s own arrangements, for he suddenly beheld on + that crafty countenance the change produced by a dawning hope. + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear mamma Cardinal—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my good monsieur—” + </p> + <p> + “What is it you want—?” + </p> + <p> + “It must be decided—” + </p> + <p> + These beginnings, or these ends of sentences were the only gleams of light + that the animated conversation, carried on in the lowest tones with lip to + ear and ear to lip, conveyed to the motionless witness, whose attention + was fixed on Madame Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Madame Cardinal was one of Cerizet’s earliest clients; she peddled fish. + If Parisians know these creations peculiar to their soil, foreigners have + no suspicion of their existence; and Mere Cardinal—technologically + speaking, of course, deserved all the interest she excited in Theodose. So + many women of her species may be met with in the streets that the + passers-by give them no more attention than they give to the three + thousand pictures of the Salon. But as she stood in Cerizet’s office the + Cardinal had all the value of an isolated masterpiece; she was a complete + and perfect type of her species. + </p> + <p> + The woman was mounted on muddy sabots; but her feet, carefully wrapped in + gaiters, were still further protected by stout and thick-ribbed stockings. + Her cotton gown, adorned with a glounce of mud, bore the imprint of the + strap which supported the fish-basket. Her principal garment was a shawl + of what was called “rabbit’s-hair cashmere,” the two ends of which were + knotted behind, above her bustle—for we must needs employ a + fashionable word to express the effect produced by the transversal + pressure of the basket upon her petticoats, which projected below it, in + shape like a cabbage. A printed cotton neckerchief, of the coarsest + description, gave to view a red neck, ribbed and lined like the surface of + a pond where people have skated. Her head was covered in a yellow silk + foulard, twined in a manner that was rather picturesque. Short and stout, + and ruddy of skin, Mere Cardinal probably drank her little drop of brandy + in the morning. She had once been handsome. The Halle had formerly + reproached her, in the boldness of its figurative speech, for doing “a + double day’s-work in the twenty-four.” Her voice, in order to reduce + itself to the diapason of ordinary conversation, was obliged to stifle its + sound as other voices do in a sick-room; but at such times it came thick + and muffled, from a throat accustomed to send to the farthest recesses of + the highest garret the names of the fish in their season. Her nose, a la + Roxelane, her well-cut lips, her blue eyes, and all that formerly made up + her beauty, was now buried in folds of vigorous flesh which told of the + habits and occupations of an outdoor life. The stomach and bosom were + distinguished for an amplitude worthy of Rubens. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to make me lie in the straw?” she said to Cerizet. “What do I + care for the Toupilliers? Ain’t I a Toupillier myself? What do you want to + do with them, those Toupilliers?” + </p> + <p> + This savage outburst was hastily repressed by Cerizet, who uttered a + prolonged “Hush-sh!” such as all conspirators obey. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go and find out all you can about it, and come back to me,” said + Cerizet, pushing the woman toward the door, and whispering, as he did so, + a few words in her ear. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear friend,” said Theodose to Cerizet, “you have got your + money?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned Cerizet “we have measured our claws, they are the same + length, the same strength, and the same sharpness. What next?” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to tell Dutocq that you received, last night, twenty-five thousand + francs?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear friend, not a word, if you love me!” cried Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” said Theodose. “I must know, once for all, what you want. I am + positively determined not to remain twenty-four hours longer on the + gridiron where you have got me. Cheat Dutocq if you will; I am utterly + indifferent to that; but I intend that you and I shall come to an + understanding. It is a fortune that I have paid you, twenty-five thousand + francs, and you must have earned ten thousand more in your business; it is + enough to make you an honest man. Cerizet, if you will leave me in peace, + if you won’t prevent my marriage with Mademoiselle Colleville, I shall + certainly be king’s attorney-general, or something of that kind in Paris. + You can’t do better than make sure of an influence in that sphere.” + </p> + <p> + “Here are my conditions; and they won’t allow of discussion; you can take + them or leave them. You will obtain for me the lease of Thuillier’s new + house for eighteen years, and I’ll hand you back one of your five notes + cancelled, and you shall not find me any longer in your way. But you will + have to settle with Dutocq for the remaining four notes. You got the + better of <i>me</i>, and I know Dutocq hasn’t the force to stand against + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll agree to that, provided you’ll pay a rent of forty-eight thousand + francs for the house, the last year in advance, and begin the lease in + October.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but I shall not give for the last year’s rent more than forty-three + thousand francs; your note will pay the remainder. I have seen the house, + and examined it. It suits me very well.” + </p> + <p> + “One last condition,” said Theodose; “you’ll help me against Dutocq?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Cerizet, “you’ll cook him brown yourself; he doesn’t need any + basting from me; he’ll give out his gravy fast enough. But you ought to be + reasonable. The poor fellow can’t pay off the last fifteen thousand francs + due on his practice, and you should reflect that fifteen thousand francs + would certainly buy back your notes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; give me two weeks to get your lease—” + </p> + <p> + “No, not a day later than Monday next! Tuesday your notes will be in + Louchard’s hands; unless you pay them Monday, or Thuillier signs the + lease.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Monday, so be it!” said Theodose; “are we friends?” + </p> + <p> + “We shall be Monday,” responded Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Monday you’ll pay for my dinner,” said Theodose, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at the Rocher de Cancale, if I have the lease. Dutocq shall be there—we’ll + all be there—ah! it is long since I’ve had a good laugh.” + </p> + <p> + Theodose and Cerizet shook hands, saying, reciprocally:— + </p> + <p> + “We’ll meet soon.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet had not calmed down so suddenly without reasons. In the first + place, as Desroches once said, “Bile does not facilitate business,” and + the usurer had too well seen the justice of that remark not to coolly + resolve to get something out of his position, and to squeeze the jugular + vein of the crafty Provencal until he strangled him. + </p> + <p> + “It is a fair revenge,” Desroches said to him; “mind you extract its + quintessence. You hold that fellow.” + </p> + <p> + For ten years past Cerizet had seen men growing rich by practising the + trade of principal tenant. The principal tenant is, in Paris, to the + owners of houses what farmers are to country landlords. All Paris has seen + one of its great tailors, building at his own cost, on the famous site of + Frascati, one of the most sumptuous of houses, and paying, as principal + tenant, fifty thousand francs a year for the ground rent of the house, + which, at the end of nineteen years’ lease, was to become the property of + the owner of the land. In spite of the costs of construction, which were + something like seven hundred thousand francs, the profits of those + nineteen years proved, in the end, very large. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet, always on the watch for business, had examined the chances for + gain offered by the situation of the house which Thuillier had <i>stolen</i>,—as + he said to Desroches,—and he had seen the possibility of letting it + for sixty thousand at the end of six years. There were four shops, two on + each side, for it stood on a boulevard corner. Cerizet expected, + therefore, to get clear ten thousand a year for a dozen years, allowing + for eventualities and sundries attendant on renewal of leases. He + therefore proposed to himself to sell his money-lending business to the + widow Poiret and Cadenet for ten thousand francs; he already possessed + thirty thousand; and the two together would enable him to pay the last + year’s rent in advance, which house-owners in Paris usually demand as a + guarantee from a principal tenant on a long lease. Cerizet had spent a + happy night; he fell asleep in a glorious dream; he saw himself in a fair + way to do an honest business, and to become a bourgeois like Thuillier, + like Minard, and so many others. + </p> + <p> + But he had a waking of which he did not dream. He found Fortune standing + before him, and emptying her gilded horns of plenty at his feet in the + person of Madame Cardinal. He had always had a liking for the woman, and + had promised her for a year past the necessary sum to buy a donkey and a + little cart, so that she could carry on her business on a large scale, and + go from Paris to the suburbs. Madame Cardinal, widow of a porter in the + corn-market, had an only daughter, whose beauty Cerizet had heard of from + some of the mother’s cronies. Olympe Cardinal was about thirteen years of + age at the time, 1837, when Cerizet began his system of loans in the + quarter; and with a view to an infamous libertinism, he had paid great + attention to the mother, whom he rescued from utter misery, hoping to make + Olympe his mistress. But suddenly, in 1838, the girl left her mother, and + “made her life,” to use an expression by which the lower classes in Paris + describe the abuse of the most precious gifts of nature and youth. + </p> + <p> + To look for a girl in Paris is to look for a smelt in the Seine; nothing + but chance can throw her into the net. The chance came. Mere Cardinal, who + to entertain a neighbor had taken her to the Bobino theatre, recognized in + the leading lady her own daughter, whom the first comedian had held under + his control for three years. The mother, gratified at first at beholding + her daughter in a fine gown of gold brocade, her hair dressed like that of + a duchess, and wearing open-worked stockings, satin shoes, and receiving + the plaudits of the audience, ended by screaming out from her seat in the + gallery:— + </p> + <p> + “You shall soon hear of me, murderer of your own mother! I’ll know whether + miserable strolling-players have the right to come and debauch young girls + of sixteen!” + </p> + <p> + She waited at the stage-door to capture her daughter, but the first + comedian and the leading lady had no doubt jumped across the footlights + and left the theatre with the audience, instead of issuing by the + stage-door, where Madame Cardinal and her crony, Mere Mahoudeau, made an + infernal rumpus, which two municipal guards were called upon to pacify. + Those august personages, before whom the two women lowered the diapason of + their voices, called the mother’s attention to the fact that the girl was + of legitimate theatrical age, and that instead of screaming at the door + after the director, she could summon him before the justice-of-peace, or + the police-court, whichever she pleased. + </p> + <p> + The next day Madame Cardinal intended to consult Cerizet, in view of the + fact that he was a clerk in the office of the justice-of-peace; but, + before reaching his lair in the rue des Poules, she was met by the porter + of a house in which an uncle of hers, a certain Toupillier, was living, + who told her that the old man hadn’t probably two days to live, being then + in the last extremity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how do you expect me to help it?” replied the widow Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + “We count on you, my dear Madame Cardinal; we know you won’t forget the + good advice we’ll give you. Here’s the thing. Lately, your poor uncle, not + being able to stir round, has trusted me to go and collect the rents of + his house, rue Notre-Dame de Nazareth, and the arrears of his dividends at + the Treasury, which come to eighteen hundred francs.” + </p> + <p> + By this time the widow Cardinal’s eyes were becoming fixed instead of + wandering. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear,” continued Perrache, a hump-backed little concierge; “and, + seeing that you are the only person who ever thinks about him, and that + you come and see him sometimes, and bring him fish, perhaps he may make a + bequest in your favor. My wife, who has been nursing him for the last few + days since he has been so ill, spoke to him of you, but he wouldn’t have + you told about his illness. But now, don’t you see, it is high time you + should show yourself there. It is pretty nigh two months since he has been + able to attend to business.” + </p> + <p> + “You may well think, you old thief,” replied Madame Cardinal, hurrying at + top speed toward the rue Honore-Chevalier, where her uncle lived in a + wretched garret, “that the hair would grow on my hand before I could ever + imagine that. What! my uncle Toupillier rich! the old pauper of the church + of Saint-Sulpice!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” returned the porter, “but he fed well. He went to bed every night + with his best friend, a big bottle of Roussillon. My wife has tasted it, + though he told us it was common stuff. The wine-merchant in the rue des + Canettes supplies it to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t say a word about all this,” said the widow, when she parted from + the man who had given her the information. “I’ll take care and remember + you—if anything comes of it.” + </p> + <p> + Toupillier, former drum-major in the French Guards, had been for the two + years preceding 1789 in the service of the Church as beadle of + Saint-Sulpice. The Revolution deprived him of that post, and he then + dropped down into a state of abject misery. He was even obliged to take to + the profession of model, for he <i>enjoyed</i>, as they say, a fine + physique. When public worship was restored, he took up his beadle’s staff + once more; but in 1816 he was dismissed, as much on account of his + immorality as for his political opinions. Nevertheless, he was allowed to + stay about the door of the church and distribute the holy water. Later, an + unfortunate affair, which we shall presently mention, made him lose even + that position; but, still finding means to keep to the sanctuary, he + obtained permission to be allowed as a pauper in the porch. At this period + of life, being then seventy-two years of age, he made himself ninety-six, + and began the profession of centenarian. + </p> + <p> + In all Paris it was impossible to find another such beard and head of hair + as Toupillier’s. As he walked he appeared bent double; he held a stick in + his shaking hand,—a hand that was covered with lichen, like a + granite rock, and with the other he held out the classic hat with a broad + brim, filthy and battered, into which, however, there fell abundant alms. + His legs were swathed in rags and bandages, and his feet shuffled along in + miserable overshoes of woven mat-weed, inside of which he had fastened + excellent cork soles. He washed his face with certain compounds, which + gave it an appearance of forms of illness, and he played the senility of a + centenarian to the life. He reckoned himself a hundred years old in 1830, + at which time his actual age was eighty; he was the head of the paupers of + Saint-Sulpice, the master of the place, and all those who came to beg + under the arcades of the church, safe from the persecutions of the police + and beneath the protection of the beadle and the giver of holy water, were + forced to pay him a sort of tithe. + </p> + <p> + When a new heir, a bridegroom, or some godfather left the church, saying, + “Here, this is for all of you; don’t torment any of my party,” Toupillier, + appointed by the beadle to receive these alms, pocketed three-fourths, and + distributed only the remaining quarter among his henchmen, whose tribute + amounted to a sou a day. Money and wine were his last two passions; but he + regulated the latter and gave himself up to the former, with neglecting + his personal comfort. He drank at night only, after his dinner, and for + twenty years he slept in the arms of drunkenness, his last mistress. + </p> + <p> + In the early morning he was at his post with all his faculties. From then + until his dinner, which he took at Pere Lathuile’s (made famous by + Charlet), he gnawed crusts of bread by way of nourishment; and he gnawed + them artistically, with an air of resignation which earned him abundant + alms. The beadle and the giver of holy water, with whom he may have had + some private understanding, would say of him:— + </p> + <p> + “He is one of the worthy poor of the church; he used to know the rector + Languet, who built Saint-Sulpice; he was for twenty years beadle of the + church before the Revolution, and he is now over a hundred years old.” + </p> + <p> + This little biography, well known to all the pious attendants of the + church, was, of course, the best of his advertisements, and no hat was so + well lined as his. He bought his house in 1826, and began to invest his + money in the Funds in 1830. From the value of the two investments he must + have made something like six thousand francs a year, and probably turned + them over by usury, after Cerizet’s own fashion; for the sum he paid for + the house was forty thousand francs, while his investment in 1830 was + forty-eight thousand more. His niece, deceived by the old man as much as + he deceived the functionaries and the pious souls of the church, believed + him the most miserable of paupers, and when she had any fish that were + spoiling she sometimes took them to the aged beggar. + </p> + <p> + Consequently, she now felt it her right to get what she could in return + for her pity and her liberality to an uncle who was likely to have a crowd + of collateral heirs; she herself being the third and last Toupillier + daughter. She had four brothers, and her father, a porter with a + hand-cart, had told her, in her childhood, of three aunts and four uncles, + who all led an existence of the baser sort. + </p> + <p> + After inspecting the sick man, she went, at full speed, to consult + Cerizet, telling him, in the first place, how she had found her daughter, + and then the reasons and indications which made her think that her uncle + Toupillier was hoarding a pile of gold in his mattress. Mere Cardinal did + not feel herself strong enough to seize upon the property, legally or + illegally, and she therefore came to confide in Cerizet and get his + advice. + </p> + <p> + So, then, the banker of the poor, like other scavengers, had, at last, + found diamonds in the slime in which he had paddled for the last four + years, being always on the watch for some such chance,—a chance, + they say, occasionally met with in the purlieus, which give birth to + heiresses in sabots. This was the secret of his unexpected gentleness to + la Peyrade, the man whose ruin he had vowed. It is easy to imagine the + anxiety with which he awaited the return of Madame Cardinal, to whom this + wily schemer of nefarious plots had given means to verify her suspicions + as to the existence of the hoarded treasure, promising her complete + success if she would trust him to obtain for her so rich a harvest. He was + not the man to shrink from a crime, above all, when he saw that others + could commit it, while he obtained the benefits. + </p> + <p> + “Well, monsieur,” cried the fishwife, entering Cerizet’s den with a face + as much inflamed by cupidity as by the haste of her movements, “my uncle + sleeps on more than a hundred thousand francs in gold, and I am certain + that those Perraches, by dint of nursing him, have smelt the rat.” + </p> + <p> + “Shared among forty heirs that won’t be much to each,” said Cerizet. + “Listen to me, Mere Cardinal: I’ll marry your daughter; give her your + uncle’s gold, and I’ll guarantee to you a life-interest in the house and + the dividends from the money in the Funds.” + </p> + <p> + “We sha’n’t run any risk?” + </p> + <p> + “None, whatever.” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed, then,” said the widow Cardinal, holding out her hand to her + future son-in-law. “Six thousand francs a year; hey! what a fine life I’ll + have.” + </p> + <p> + “With a son-in-law like me!” added Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be a bourgeoisie of Paris!” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” resumed Cerizet, after a pause, “I must study the ground. Don’t + leave your uncle alone a minute; tell the Perraches that you expect a + doctor. I’ll be the doctor, and when I get there you must seem not to know + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Aren’t you sly, you old rogue,” said Madame Cardinal, with a punch on + Cerizet’s stomach by way of farewell. + </p> + <p> + An hour later, Cerizet, dressed in black, disguised by a rusty wig and an + artificially painted physiognomy, arrived at the house in the rue + Honore-Chevalier in the regulation cabriolet. He asked the porter to tell + him how to find the lodging of an old beggar named Toupillier. + </p> + <p> + “Is monsieur the doctor whom Madame Cardinal expects?” asked Perrache. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet had no doubt reflected on the gravity of the affair he was + undertaking, for he avoided giving an answer to that question. + </p> + <p> + “Is this the way?” he said, turning at random to one side of the + courtyard. + </p> + <p> + “No, monsieur,” replied Perrache, who then took him to the back stairs of + the house, which led up to the wretched attic occupied by the pauper. + </p> + <p> + Nothing remained for the inquisitive porter to do but to question the + driver of the cabriolet; to which employment we will leave him, while we + pursue our own inquiries elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE DIFFICULTIES THAT CROP UP IN THE EASIEST OF THEFTS +</pre> + <p> + The house in which Toupillier lived is one of those which have lost half + their depth, owing to the straightening of the line of the street, the rue + Honore-Chevalier being one of the narrowest in the Saint-Sulpice quarter. + The owner, forbidden by the law to repair it, or to add new storeys, was + compelled to let the wretched building in the condition in which he bought + it. It consisted of a first storey above the ground-floor, surmounted by + garrets, with two small wings running back on either side. The courtyard + thus formed ended in a garden planted with trees, which was always rented + to the occupant of the first floor. This garden, separated by an iron + railing from the courtyard, would have allowed a rich owner to sell the + front buildings to the city, and to build a new house upon the courtyard; + but the whole of the first floor was let on an eighteen years’ lease to a + mysterious personage, about whom neither the official policing of the + concierge nor the curiosity of the other tenants could find anything to + censure. + </p> + <p> + This tenant, now seventy years of age, had built, in 1829, an outer + stairway, leading from the right wing of the first floor to the garden, so + that he could get there without going through the courtyard. Half the + ground-floor was occupied by a book-stitcher, who for the last ten years + had used the stable and coach-house for workshops. A book-binder occupied + the other half. The binder and the stitcher lived, each of them, in half + the garret rooms over the front building on the street. The garrets above + the rear wings were occupied, the one on the right by the mysterious + tenant, the one on the left by Toupillier, who paid a hundred francs a + year for it, and reached it by a dark staircase, lighted by small round + windows. The porte-cochere was made in the circular form indispensable in + a street so narrow that two carriages cannot pass in it. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet laid hold of the rope which served as a baluster, to climb the + species of ladder leading to the room where the so-called beggar was + dying,—a room in which the odious spectacle of pretended pauperism + was being played. In Paris, everything that is done for a purpose is + thoroughly done. Would-be paupers are as clever at mounting their disguise + as shopkeepers in preparing their show-windows, or sham rich men in + obtaining credit. + </p> + <p> + The floor had never been swept; the bricks had disappeared beneath layers + of dirt, dust, dried mud, and any and every thing thrown down by + Toupillier. A miserable stove of cast-iron, the pipe of which entered a + crumbling chimney, was the most apparent piece of furniture in this hovel. + In an alcove stood a bed, with tester and valence of green serge, which + the moths had transformed into lace. The window, almost useless, had a + heavy coating of grease upon its panes, which dispensed with the necessity + of curtains. The whitewashed walls presented to the eye fuliginous tones, + due to the wood and peat burned by the pauper in his stove. On the + fireplace were a broken water-pitcher, two bottles, and a cracked plate. A + worm-eaten chest of drawers contained his linen and decent clothes. The + rest of the furniture consisted of a night-table of the commonest + description, another table, worth about forty sous, and two kitchen chairs + with the straw seats almost gone. The extremely picturesque costume of the + centenarian pauper was hanging from a nail, and below it, on the floor, + were the shapeless mat-weed coverings that served him for shoes, the whole + forming, with his amorphous old hat and knotty stick, a sort of panoply of + misery. + </p> + <p> + As he entered, Cerizet gave a rapid glance at the old man, whose head lay + on a pillow brown with grease and without a pillow-case; his angular + profile, like those which engravers of the last century were fond of + making out of rocks in the landscapes they engraved, was strongly defined + in black against the green serge hangings of the tester. Toupillier, a man + nearly six feet tall, was looking fixedly at some object at the foot of + his bed; he did not move on hearing the groaning of the heavy door, which, + being armed with iron bolts and a strong lock, closed his domicile + securely. + </p> + <p> + “Is he conscious?” said Cerizet, before whom Madame Cardinal started back, + not having recognized him till he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty nearly,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “Come out on the staircase, so that he doesn’t hear us,” whispered + Cerizet. “This is how we’ll manage it,” he continued, in the ear of his + future mother-in-law. “He is weak, but he isn’t so very low; we have fully + a week before us. I’ll send you a doctor who’ll suit us,—you + understand? and later in the evening I’ll bring you six poppy-heads. In + the state he’s in, you see, a decoction of poppy-heads will send him into + a sound sleep. I’ll send you a cot-bed on pretence of your sleeping in the + room with him. We’ll move him from one bed to the other, and when we’ve + found the money there won’t be any difficulty in carrying it off. But we + ought to know who the people are who live in this old barrack. If Perrache + suspects, as you think, about the money, he might give an alarm, and so + many tenants, so many spies, you know—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! as for that,” said Madame Cardinal, “I’ve found out already that + Monsieur du Portail, the old man who occupies the first floor, has charge + of an insane woman; I heard their Dutch servant-woman, Katte, calling her + Lydie this morning. The only other servant is an old valet named Bruneau; + he does everything, except cook.” + </p> + <p> + “But the binder and the stitcher down below,” returned Cerizet, “they + begin work very early in the morning—Well, anyhow, we must study the + matter,” he added, in the tone of a man whose plans are not yet decided. + “I’ll go to the mayor’s office of your arrondissement, and get Olympe’s + register of birth, and put up the banns. The marriage must take place a + week from Saturday.” + </p> + <p> + “How he goes it, the rascal!” cried the admiring Madame Cardinal, pushing + her formidable son-in-law by the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + As he went downstairs Cerizet was surprised to see, through one of the + small round windows, an old man, evidently du Portail, walking in the + garden with a very important member of the government, Comte Martial de la + Roche-Hugon. He stopped in the courtyard when he reached it, as if to + examine the old house, built in the reign of Louis XIV., the yellow walls + of which, though of freestone, were bent like the elderly beggar they + contained. Then he looked at the workshops, and counted the workmen. The + house was otherwise as silent as a cloister. Being observed himself, + Cerizet departed, thinking over in his mind the various difficulties that + might arise in extracting the sum hidden beneath the dying man. + </p> + <p> + “Carry off all that gold at night?” he said to himself; “why, those + porters will be on the watch, and twenty persons might see us! It is hard + work to carry even twenty-five thousand francs of gold on one’s person.” + </p> + <p> + Societies have two goals of perfection; the first is a state of + civilization in which morality equally infused and pervasive does not + admit even the idea of crime; the Jesuits reached that point, formerly + presented by the primitive Church. The second is the state of another + civilization in which the supervision of citizens over one another makes + crime impossible. The end which modern society has placed before itself is + the latter; namely, that in which a crime presents such difficulties that + a man must abandon all reasoning in order to commit it. In fact, + iniquities which the law cannot reach are not left actually unpunished, + for social judgment is even more severe than that of courts. If a man like + Minoret, the post-master at Nemours [see “Ursule Mirouet”] suppresses a + will and no one witnesses the act, the crime is traced home to him by the + watchfulness of virtue as surely as a robbery is followed up by the + detective police. No wrong-doing passes actually unperceived; and wherever + a lesion in rectitude takes place the scar remains. Things can be no more + made to disappear than men; so carefully, in Paris especially, are + articles and objects ticketed and numbered, houses watched, streets + observed, places spied upon. To live at ease, crime must have a sanction + like that of the Bourse; like that conceded by Cerizet’s clients; who + never complained of his usury, and, indeed, would have been troubled in + mind if their flayer were not in his den of a Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear monsieur,” said Madame Perrache, the porter’s wife, as he + passed her lodge, “how do you find him, that friend of God, that poor + man?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not the doctor,” replied Cerizet, who now decidedly declined that + role. “I am Madame Cardinal’s business man. I have just advised her to + have a cot-bed put up, so as to nurse her uncle night and day; though, + perhaps, she will have to get a regular nurse.” + </p> + <p> + “I can help her,” said Madame Perrache. “I nurse women in childbed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we’ll see about it,” said Cerizet; “I’ll arrange all that. Who is + the tenant on your first floor?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur du Portail. He has lodged here these thirty years. He is a man + with a good income, monsieur; highly respectable, and elderly. You know + people who invest in the Funds live on their incomes. He used to be in + business. But it is more than eleven years now since he has been trying to + restore the reason of a daughter of one of his friends, Mademoiselle Lydie + de la Peyrade. She has the best advice, I can tell you; the very first + doctors in Paris; only this morning they had a consultation. But so far + nothing has cured her; and they have to watch her pretty close; for + sometimes she gets up and walks at night—” + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle Lydie de la Peyrade!” exclaimed Cerizet; “are you sure of + the name?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve heard Madame Katte, her nurse, who also does the cooking, call her + so a thousand times, monsieur; though, generally, neither Monsieur + Bruneau, the valet, nor Madame Katte say much. It’s like talking to the + wall to try and get any information out of them. We have been porters here + these twenty years and we’ve never found out anything about Monsieur du + Portail yet. More than that, monsieur, he owns the little house alongside; + you see the double door from here. Well, he can go out that way and + receive his company too, and we know nothing about it. Our owner doesn’t + know anything more than we do; when people ring at that door, Monsieur + Bruneau goes and opens it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you didn’t see the gentleman who is talking with him in the garden + go by this way?” + </p> + <p> + “Bless me! no, that I didn’t!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” thought Cerizet as he got into the cabriolet, “she must be the + daughter of that uncle of Theodose. I wonder if du Portail can be the + secret benefactor who sent money from time to time to that rascal? Suppose + I send an anonymous letter to the old fellow, warning him of the danger + the barrister runs from those notes for twenty-five thousand francs?” + </p> + <p> + An hour later the cot-bed had arrived for Madame Cardinal, to whom the + inquisitive portress offered her services to bring her something to eat. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to see the rector?” Madame Cardinal inquired of her uncle. + </p> + <p> + She had noticed that the arrival of the bed seemed to draw him from his + somnolence. + </p> + <p> + “I want wine!” replied the pauper. + </p> + <p> + “How do you feel now, Pere Toupillier?” asked Madame Perrache, in a + coaxing voice. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you I want wine,” repeated the old man, with an energetic + insistence scarcely to be expected of his feebleness. + </p> + <p> + “We must first find out if it is good for you, uncle,” said Madame + Cardinal, soothingly. “Wait till the doctor comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor! I won’t have a doctor!” cried Toupillier; “and you, what are you + doing here? I don’t want anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “My good uncle, I came to know if you’d like something tasty. I’ve got + some nice fresh soles—hey! a bit of fried sole, with a squeeze of + lemon on it?” + </p> + <p> + “Your fish, indeed!” cried Toupillier; “all rotten! That last you brought + me, more than six weeks ago, it is there in the cupboard; you can take it + away with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! how ungrateful sick men are!” whispered the widow Cardinal to + Perrache. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, to exhibit solicitude, she arranged the pillow under the + patient’s head, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “There! uncle, don’t you feel better like that?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone!” shouted Toupillier, angrily; “I want no one here; I want + wine; leave me in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t get angry, little uncle; we’ll fetch you some wine.” + </p> + <p> + “Number six wine, rue des Canettes,” cried the pauper. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know,” replied Madame Cardinal; “but let me count out my coppers. + I want to get something better for you than that kind of wine; for, don’t + you see, an uncle, he’s a kind of father, and one shouldn’t mind what one + does for him.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she sat down, with her legs apart, on one of the dilapidated + chairs, and poured into her apron the contents of her pockets, namely: a + knife, her snuff-box, two pawn-tickets, some crusts of bread, and a + handful of copper, from which she extracted a few silver bits. + </p> + <p> + This exhibition, intended to prove her generous and eager devotion, had no + result. Toupillier seemed not to notice it. Exhausted by the feverish + energy with which he had demanded his favorite remedy, he made an effort + to change his position, and, with his back turned to his two nurses, he + again muttered: “Wine! wine!” after which nothing more was heard of him + but a stentorous breathing, that plainly showed the state of his lungs, + which were beginning to congest. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I must go and fetch his wine!” said the Cardinal, restoring to + her pockets, with some ill-humor, the cargo she had just pulled out of + them. + </p> + <p> + “If you don’t want to go—” began Madame Perrache, always ready to + offer her services. + </p> + <p> + The fishwife hesitated for a moment; then, reflecting that something might + be got out of a conversation with the wine-merchant, and sure, moreover, + that as long as Toupillier lay on his gold she could safely leave him + alone with the portress, she said:— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Madame Perrache, but I’d better make acquaintance with his + trades-folk.” + </p> + <p> + Then, having spied behind the night-table a dirty bottle which might hold + about two quarts,— + </p> + <p> + “Did he say the rue des Canelles?” she inquired of the portress. + </p> + <p> + “Corner of the rue Guisarde,” replied Madame Perrache. “Monsieur Legrelu, + a tall, fine man with big whiskers and no hair.” Then, lowering her voice, + she added: “His number-six wine, you know, is Roussillon, and the best, + too. However, the wine-merchant knows; it is enough if you tell him you + have come from his customer, the pauper of Saint-Sulpice.” + </p> + <p> + “No need to tell me anything twice,” said the Cardinal, opening the door + and making, as they say, a false exit. “Ah ca!” she said, coming back; + “what does he burn in his stove, supposing I want to heat some remedy for + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Goodness!” said the portress, “he doesn’t make much provision for winter, + and here we are in the middle of summer!” + </p> + <p> + “And not a saucepan! not a pot, even! Gracious! what a way to live. I’ll + have to fetch him some provisions; I hope nobody will see the things I + bring back; I’d be ashamed they should—” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll lend you a hand-bag,” said the portress, always ready and officious. + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ll buy a basket,” replied the fishwife, more anxious about what she + expected to carry away than what she was about to bring home to the + pauper. “There must be some Auvergnat in the neighborhood who sells wood,” + she added. + </p> + <p> + “Corner of the rue Ferou; you’ll find one there. A fine establishment, + with logs of wood painted in a kind of an arcade all round the shop—so + like, you’d think they were going to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + Before going finally off, Madame Cardinal went through a piece of very + deep hypocrisy. We have seen how she hesitated about leaving the portress + alone with the sick man:— + </p> + <p> + “Madame Perrache,” she said to her, “you won’t leave him, the poor + darling, will you, till I get back?” + </p> + <p> + It may have been noticed that Cerizet had not decided on any definite + course of action in the new affair he was now undertaking. The part of + doctor, which for a moment he thought of assuming, frightened him, and he + gave himself out, as we have seen, to Madame Perrache as the business + agent of his accomplice. Once alone, he began to see that his original + idea complicated with a doctor, a nurse, and a notary, presented the most + serious difficulties. A regular will drawn in favor of Madame Cardinal was + not a thing to be improvised in a moment. It would take some time to + acclimatize the idea in the surly and suspicious mind of the old pauper, + and death, which was close at hand, might play them a trick at any moment, + and balk the most careful preparations. + </p> + <p> + It was true that unless a will were made the income of eight thousand + francs on the Grand Livre and the house in the rue Notre-Dame de Nazareth + would go to the heirs-at-law, and Madame Cardinal would get only her share + of the property; but the abandonment of this visible portion of the + inheritance was the surest means of laying hands on the invisible part of + it. Besides, if the latter were secured, what hindered their returning to + the idea of a will? + </p> + <p> + Resolving, therefore, to confine the <i>operation</i> to the simplest + terms at first, Cerizet summed them up in the manoeuvre of the + poppy-heads, already mentioned, and he was making his way back to + Toupillier’s abode, armed with that single weapon of war, intending to + give Madame Cardinal further instructions, when he met her, bearing on her + arm the basket she had just bought; and in that basket was the sick man’s + panacea. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word!” cried the usurer, “is this the way you keep your watch?” + </p> + <p> + “I had to go out and buy him wine,” replied the Cardinal; “he is howling + like a soul in hell that he wants to be at peace, and to be let alone, and + get his wine! It is his one idea that Roussillon is good for his disease. + Well, when he has drunk it, I dare say he will be quieter.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said Cerizet, sententiously; “never contradict a sick + man. But this wine, you know, ought to be improved; by infusing these” + (and lifting one of the covers of the basket he slipped in the poppies) + “you’ll procure the poor man a good, long sleep,—five or six hours + at least. This evening I’ll come and see you, and nothing, I think, need + prevent us from examining a little closer those matters of inheritance.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Madame Cardinal, winking. + </p> + <p> + “To-night, then,” said Cerizet, not wishing to prolong the conversation. + </p> + <p> + He had a strong sense of the difficulty and danger of the affair, and was + very reluctant to be seen in the street conversing with his accomplice. + </p> + <p> + Returning to her uncle’s garret, Madame Cardinal found him still in a + state of semi-torpor; she relieved Madame Perrache, and bade her good-bye, + going to the door to receive a supply of wood, all sawed, which she had + ordered from the Auvergnat in the rue Ferou. + </p> + <p> + Into an earthen pot, which she had bought of the right size to fit upon + the hole in the stoves of the poor where they put their soup-kettles, she + now threw the poppies, pouring over them two-thirds of the wine she had + brought back with her. Then she lighted a fire beneath the pot, intending + to obtain the decoction agreed upon as quickly as possible. The crackling + of the wood and the heat, which soon spread about the room, brought + Toupillier out of his stupor. Seeing the stove lighted he called out:— + </p> + <p> + “Who is making a fire here? Do you want to burn the house down?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, uncle,” said the Cardinal, “it is wood I bought with my own money, + to warm your wine. The doctor doesn’t want you to drink it cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it, that wine?” demanded Toupillier, calming down a little at + the thought that the fire was not burning at his expense. + </p> + <p> + “It must come to a boil,” said his nurse; “the doctor insisted upon that. + Still, if you’ll be good I’ll give you half a glass of it cold, just to + wet your whistle. I’ll take that upon myself, but don’t you tell the + doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor! I won’t have a doctor; they are all scoundrels, invented to kill + people,” cried Toupillier, whom the idea of drink had revived. “Come, give + me the wine!” he said, in the tone of a man whose patience had come to an + end. + </p> + <p> + Convinced that though this compliance would do no harm it could do no + good, Madame Cardinal poured out half a glass, and while she gave it with + one hand to the sick man, with the other she raised him to a sitting + posture that he might drink it. + </p> + <p> + With his fleshless, eager fingers Toupillier clutched the glass, emptied + it at a gulp, and exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that’s a fine drop, that is! though you’ve watered it.” + </p> + <p> + “You mustn’t say that, uncle; I went and bought it myself of Pere Legrelu, + and I’ve given it you quite pure. But you let me simmer the rest; the + doctor said I might then give you all you wanted.” + </p> + <p> + Toupillier resigned himself with a shrug of the shoulders. At the end of + fifteen minutes, the infusion being in condition to serve, Madame Cardinal + brought him, without further appeal, a full cup of it. + </p> + <p> + The avidity with which the old pauper drank it down prevented him from + noticing at first that the wine was drugged; but as he swallowed the last + drops he tasted the sickly and nauseating flavor, and flinging the cup on + the bed he cried out that some one was trying to poison him. + </p> + <p> + “Poison! nonsense!” said the fishwife, pouring into her own mouth a few + drops of that which remained in the bottle, declaring to the old man that + if the wine did not seem to him the same as usual, it was because his + mouth had a “bad taste to it.” + </p> + <p> + Before the end of the dispute, which lasted some time, the narcotic began + to take effect, and at the end of an hour the sick man was sound asleep. + </p> + <p> + While idly waiting for Cerizet, an idea took possession of the Cardinal’s + mind. She thought that in view of their comings and goings with the + treasure, it would be well if the vigilance of the Perrache husband and + wife could be dulled in some manner. Consequently, after carefully + flinging the refuse poppy-heads into the privy, she called to the + portress:— + </p> + <p> + “Madame Perrache, come up and taste his wine. Wouldn’t you have thought to + hear him talk he was ready to drink a cask of it? Well, a cupful satisfied + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Your health!” said the portress, touching glasses with the Cardinal, who + was careful to have hers filled with the unboiled wine. Less accomplished + as a gourmet than the old beggar, Madame Perrache perceived nothing in the + insidious liquid (cold by the time she drank it) to make her suspect its + narcotic character; on the contrary, she declared it was “velvet,” and + wished that her husband were there to have a share in the treat. After a + rather long gossip, the two women separated. Then, with the cooked meat + she had provided for herself, and the remains of the Roussillon, Madame + Cardinal made a repast which she finished off with a siesta. Without + mentioning the emotions of the day, the influence of one of the most heady + wines of the country would have sufficed to explain the soundness of her + sleep; when she woke darkness was coming on. + </p> + <p> + Her first care was to give a glance at her patient; his sleep was + restless, and he was dreaming aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Diamonds,” he said; “those diamonds? At my death, but not before.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious!” thought Madame Cardinal, “that was the one thing lacking,—diamonds! + that he should have diamonds!” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Toupillier seemed to be in the grasp of a violent nightmare, she + leaned over him so as not to lose a word of his speech, hoping to gather + from it some important revelation. At this moment a slight rap given to + the door, from which the careful nurse had removed the key, announced the + arrival of Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” he said, on entering. + </p> + <p> + “He has taken the drug. He’s been sound asleep these two hours; just now, + in dreaming, he was talking of diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cerizet, “it wouldn’t be surprising if we found some. These + paupers when they set out to be rich, like to pile up everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” cried the Cardinal, suddenly, “what made you go and tell Mere + Perrache that you were my man of business, and that you weren’t a doctor? + I thought we agreed this morning that you were coming as a doctor?” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet did not choose to admit that the usurpation of that title had + seemed to him dangerous; he feared to discourage his accomplice. + </p> + <p> + “I saw that the woman was going to propose a consultation,” he replied, + “and I got out of it that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Goodness!” exclaimed Madame Cardinal, “they say fine minds come together; + that was my dodge, too. Calling you my man of business seemed to give that + old pilferer a few ideas. Did they see you come in, those porters?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought, as I went by,” replied Cerizet, “that the woman was asleep in + her chair.” + </p> + <p> + “And well she might be,” said the Cardinal, significantly. + </p> + <p> + “What, really?” said Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” replied the fishwife; “what’s enough for one is enough for two; + the rest of the stuff went that way.” + </p> + <p> + “As for the husband, he was there,” said Cerizet; “for he gave me a + gracious sign of recognition, which I could have done without.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till it is quite dark, and we’ll play him a comedy that shall fool + him finely.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, ten minutes later, the fishwife, with a vim that delighted + the usurer, organized for the innocent porter the comedy of a <i>monsieur</i> + who would not, out of politeness, let her accompany him to the door; she + herself with equal politeness insisting. Appearing to conduct the sham + physician into the street gate she pretended that the wind had blown out + of her lamp, and under pretext of relighting it she put out that of + Perrache. All this racket, accompanied by exclamations and a bewildering + loquacity, was so briskly carried out that the porter, if summoned before + the police-court, would not have hesitated to swear that the doctor, whose + arrival he had witnessed, left the house between nine and ten o’clock. + </p> + <p> + When the two accomplices were thus in tranquil possession of the field of + operations Madame Cardinal hung up her rabbit’s-hair shawl before the + window to exclude all possible indiscretion on the part of a neighbor. In + the Luxembourg quarter life quiets down early. By ten o’clock all the + sounds in the house as well as those out of doors were stilled, and + Cerizet declared that the moment had come to go to work; by beginning at + once they were certain that the sleeper would remain under the influence + of the drug; besides, if the booty were found at once, Madame Cardinal + could, under pretence of a sudden attack on her patient, which required + her to fetch a remedy from the apothecary, get the porter to open the + street gate for her without suspicion. As all porters pull the gate-cord + from their beds, Cerizet would be able to get away at the same time + without notice. + </p> + <p> + Powerful in advice, Cerizet was a very incapable hand in action; and, + without the robust assistance of Mere Cardinal he could never have lifted + what might almost be called the corpse of the former drum-major. + Completely insensible, Toupillier was now an inert mass, a dead-weight, + which could, fortunately, be handled without much precaution, and the + athletic Madame Cardinal, gathering strength from her cupidity, contrived, + notwithstanding Cerizet’s insufficient assistance, to effect the transfer + of her uncle from one bed to the other. + </p> + <p> + On rummaging the bed from which the body was moved, nothing was found, and + Madame Cardinal, pressed by Cerizet to explain why she had confidently + asserted that her uncle “was lying on one hundred thousand francs in + gold,” was forced to admit that a talk with Madame Perrache, and her own + fervid imagination were the sole grounds of her certainty. Cerizet was + furious; having for one whole day dallied with the idea and hope of + fortune, having, moreover, entered upon a dangerous and compromising + course of action, only to find himself, at the supreme moment, face to + face with—nothing! The disappointment was so bitter that if he had + not been afraid of the muscular strength of his future mother-in-law, he + would have rushed upon her with some frantic intention. + </p> + <p> + His anger, however, spent itself in words. Harshly abused, Madame Cardinal + contented herself by remarking that all hope was not lost, and then, with + a faith that ought to have moved mountains, she set to work to empty the + straw from the mattress she had already vainly explored in all directions. + But Cerizet would not allow that extreme measure; he remarked that after + the autopsy of a straw mattress such detritus would remain upon the floor + as must infallibly give rise to suspicion. But the Cardinal, who thought + this caution ridiculous, was determined to, at least, take apart the flock + bedstead. The passion of the search gave extraordinary vigilance to her + senses, and as she raised the wooden side-frame she heard the fall of some + tiny object on the floor. Seizing the light she began to search in the + mound of filth of all kinds that was under the bed, and finally laid her + hand on a bit of polished steel about half an inch long, the use of which + was to her inexplicable. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a key!” cried Cerizet, who was standing beside her with some + indifference, but whose imagination now set off at a gallop. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! you see I was right,” cried the Cardinal. “But what can it open?” + she added, on reflection; “nothing bigger than a doll’s house.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Cerizet, “it is a modern invention, and very strong locks can + be opened with that little instrument.” + </p> + <p> + With a rapid glance he took in all the pieces of furniture in the room; + went to the bureau and pulled out the drawers; looked in the stove, in the + table; but nowhere did he find a lock to which the little key could be + adapted. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the Cardinal had a flash of illumination. + </p> + <p> + “See here!” she said. “I remarked that the old thief, as he lay on his + bed, never took his eyes off the wall just opposite to him.” + </p> + <p> + “A cupboard hidden in the wall!” cried Cerizet, seizing the light eagerly; + “it is not impossible!” + </p> + <p> + Examining attentively the door of the alcove, which was opposite the bed’s + head, he could see nothing there but a vast accumulation of dust and + spiders’ webs. He next employed the sense of touch, and began to rap and + sound the wall in all directions. At the spot to which Toupillier’s + constant gaze was directed he thought he perceived in a very narrow space + a slight sonority, and he presently perceived that he was rapping on wood. + He then rubbed the spot vigorously with his handkerchief, and beneath the + thick layer of dust and dirt which he thus removed he found a piece of oak + plank carefully inserted in the wall. On one side of this plank was a + small round hole; it was that of the lock which the key fitted! + </p> + <p> + While Cerizet was turning the key, which worked with great difficulty, + Madame Cardinal, holding the light, was pale and breathless; but, oh! + cruel deception! the cupboard, at last unlocked and open, showed only an + empty space, into which the light in her hand fell uselessly. + </p> + <p> + Allowing this bacchante to give vent to her despair by saluting her + much-beloved uncle with the harshest epithets, Cerizet quietly inserted + his arm into the cupboard, and after feeling it over at the back, he cried + out, “An iron safe!” adding, impatiently, “Give me more light, Madame + Cardinal.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the light did not penetrate to the depths of the cupboard, he + snatched the candle from the bottle, where, in default of a candlestick, + the Cardinal had stuck it, and, taking it in his hand, moved it carefully + over all parts of the iron safe, the existence of which was now a + certainty. + </p> + <p> + “There is no visible lock,” he said. “There must be a secret opening.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t he sly, that old villain!” exclaimed Madame Cardinal, while + Cerizet’s bony fingers felt the side of the safe over minutely. + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” he exclaimed, after groping for ten minutes, “I have it!” + </p> + <p> + During this time Madame Cardinal’s life seemed actually suspended. + </p> + <p> + Under the pressure which Cerizet now applied, the iron side rose quickly + into the thickness of the wall above, and in the midst of a mass of gold + thrown pell-mell into a large excavation that was now exposed to view, lay + a case of red morocco, which, from its size and appearance, gave promise + of magnificent booty. + </p> + <p> + “I take the diamonds for myself,” said Cerizet, when he had opened the + case and seen the splendid jewels it contained; “you won’t know how to get + rid of them. I’ll leave you the gold for your share. As for the house and + the money in the Funds, they are not worth the trouble it would be to get + the old fellow to make a will.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so fast, my little man!” replied the Cardinal, who thought this + decision rather summary; “we will first count the money—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” exclaimed Cerizet, apparently listening to a sound. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked the Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you hear some one moving below?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I hear nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet, making her a sign to be silent, listened attentively. + </p> + <p> + “I hear a step on the stairs,” he said, a moment later. + </p> + <p> + Then he hastily replaced the morocco case, and made desperate but + unavailing efforts to lower the panel. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” cried Madame Cardinal, terrified; “some one is really coming.” + Then, fastening to a hope of safety, she added, “I dare say it is that + insane girl; they say she walks at night.” + </p> + <p> + At any rate, the insane girl (if it were she) had a key to the room, for a + moment later, this key was inserted in the lock. With a rapid glance + Madame Cardinal measured the distance to the door; should she have time to + push the bolt? No; certain that it was then too late, so she blew out the + candle to give herself at least some chances in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Useless effort! the intruder who now appeared had brought a candle with + him. + </p> + <p> + When Madame Cerizet saw that she had to do with a small, old man of puny + appearance, she flung herself before him with flaming eyes, like a lioness + from whom the hunter is seeking to take her cubs. + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, my good woman,” said the little man, in a jeering tone; “the + police are sent for; they will be here in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + At the word “police” the Cardinal’s legs gave way. + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur,” she said, “why the police? we are not robbers.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter for that; if I were in your place I shouldn’t wait for them,” + said the little old man; “they make unfortunate mistakes sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I clear out?” asked the woman, incredulously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you empty your pockets of anything which has, <i>by accident</i>, + got into them.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my good monsieur, I haven’t a thing in my hands or my pockets; I + wasn’t here to harm any one,—only to nurse my poor dear uncle; you + can search me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, be off with you! that will do,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + Madame Cardinal did not oblige him to repeat the order, and she rapidly + disappeared down the staircase. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet made as though he would take the same road. + </p> + <p> + “You, monsieur, are quite another thing,” said the little old man. “You + and I must talk together; but if you are tractable, the affair between us + can be settled amicably.” + </p> + <p> + Whether it was that the narcotic had ceased to operate, or that the noise + going on about Toupillier put an end to his sleep, he now opened his eyes + and cast around him the glance of a man who endeavors to remember where he + is; then, seeing his precious cupboard open, he found in the emotion that + sight produced the strength to cry out two or three times, “Help! help! + robbers!” in a voice that was loud enough to rouse the house. + </p> + <p> + “No, Toupillier,” said the little old man; “you have not been robbed; I + came here in time to prevent it; nothing has been taken.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you arrest that villain?” shouted the old pauper, pointing to + Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur is not a thief,” replied the old man. “On the contrary, he came + up with me to lend assistance.” Then, turning to Cerizet, he added, in a + low voice: “I think, my good friend, that we had better postpone the + interview I desire to have with you until to-morrow. Come at ten o’clock + to the adjoining house, and ask for Monsieur du Portail. After what has + passed this evening, there will, I ought to warn you, be some danger to + you in not accepting this conference. I shall find you elsewhere, + infallibly; for I have the honor to know who you are; you are the man whom + the Opposition journals were accustomed to call ‘the courageous Cerizet.’” + </p> + <p> + In spite of the profound sarcasm of this remark, Cerizet, perceiving that + he was not to be treated more rigorously than Madame Cardinal, felt so + pleased with this conclusion that he promised, very readily, to keep the + appointment, and then slipped away with all the haste he could. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. DU PORTAIL + </h2> + <p> + The next day Cerizet did not fail to appear at the rendezvous given to + him. Examined, at first, through the wicket of the door, he was admitted, + after giving his name, into the house, and was ushered immediately to the + study of Monsieur du Portail, whom he found at his desk. + </p> + <p> + Without rising, and merely making a sign to his guest to take a chair, the + little old man continued the letter he was then writing. After sealing it + with wax, with a care and precision that denoted a nature extremely + fastidious and particular, or else a man accustomed to discharge + diplomatic functions, du Portail rang for Bruneau, his valet, and said, as + he gave him the letter:— + </p> + <p> + “For the justice-of-peace of the arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + Then he carefully wiped the steel pen he had just used, restored to their + places, symmetrically, all the displaced articles on his desk, and it was + only when these little arrangements were completed that he turned to + Cerizet, and said:— + </p> + <p> + “You know, of course, that we lost that poor Monsieur Toupillier last + night?” + </p> + <p> + “No, really?” said Cerizet, putting on the most sympathetic air he could + manage. “This is my first knowledge of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But you probably expected it. When one gives a dying man an immense bowl + of hot wine, which has also been narcotized,—for the Perrache woman + slept all night in a sort of lethargy after drinking a small glass of it,—it + is evident that the catastrophe has been hastened.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ignorant, monsieur,” said Cerizet, with dignity, “of what Madame + Cardinal may have given to her uncle. I have no doubt committed a great + piece of thoughtlessness in assisting this woman to obtain an inheritance + to which she assured me she had legal rights; but as to attempting the + life of that old pauper, I am quite incapable of such a thing; nothing of + the kind ever entered my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “You wrote me this letter, I think,” said du Portail, abruptly, taking + from beneath a bohemian glass bowl a paper which he offered to Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “A letter?” replied Cerizet, with the hesitation of a man who doesn’t know + whether to lie or speak the truth. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure of what I say,” continued du Portail. “I have a mania for + autographs, and I possess one of yours, obtained at the period when the + Opposition exalted you to the glorious rank of martyr. I have compared the + two writings, and I find that you certainly wrote me, yesterday, the + letter which you hold in your hand, informing me of the money + embarrassments of young la Peyrade at the present moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cerizet, “knowing that you had given a home to Mademoiselle + de la Peyrade, who is probably cousin of Theodose, I thought I recognized + in you the mysterious protector from whom, on more than one occasion, my + friend has received the most generous assistance. Now, as I have a sincere + affection for that poor fellow, it was in his interests that I permitted + myself—” + </p> + <p> + “You did quite right,” interrupted du Portail. “I am delighted to have + fallen in with a friend of la Peyrade. I ought not to conceal from you + that it was this particular fact which protected you last night. But tell + me, what is this about notes for twenty-five thousand francs? Is our + friend so badly off in his affairs? Is he leading a dissipated life?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” replied Cerizet, “he’s a puritan. Given to the deepest + piety, he did not choose to take, as a barrister, any other cases but + those of the poor. He is now on the point of making a rich marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! is he going to be married? and to whom?” + </p> + <p> + “To a Demoiselle Colleville, daughter of the secretary of the mayor of the + 12th arrondissement. In herself, the girl has no fortune, but a certain + Monsieur Thuillier, her godfather, member of the Council-general of the + Seine, has promised her a suitable ‘dot.’” + </p> + <p> + “Who has handled this affair?” + </p> + <p> + “La Peyrade has been devoted to the Thuillier family, into which he was + introduced by Monsieur Dutocq, clerk of the justice-of-peace of their + arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + “But you wrote me that these notes were signed in favor of Monsieur + Dutocq. The affair is a bit of matrimonial brokerage, in short?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, something of that kind,” replied Cerizet. “You know, monsieur, that + in Paris such transactions are very common. Even the clergy won’t disdain + to have a finger in them.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the marriage a settled thing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and within the last few days especially.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my good sir, I rely on you to put an end to it. I have other views + for Theodose,—another marriage to propose to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me!” said Cerizet, “to break up this marriage would make it + impossible for him to pay his notes; and I have the honor to call your + attention to the fact that these particular bills of exchange are serious + matters. Monsieur Dutocq is in the office of the justice-of-peace; in + other words, he couldn’t be easily defeated in such a matter.” + </p> + <p> + “The debt to Monsieur Dutocq you shall buy off yourself,” replied du + Portail. “Make arrangements with him to that effect. Should Theodose prove + reluctant to carry out my plans, those notes may become a useful weapon in + our hands. You will take upon yourself to sue him for them, and you shall + have no money responsibility in the matter. I will pay you the amount of + the notes for Dutocq, and your costs in suing Theodose.” + </p> + <p> + “You are square in business, monsieur,” said Cerizet. “There’s some + pleasure in being your agent. Now, if you think the right moment has come, + I should be glad if you would give me some better light on the mission you + are doing me the honor to place in my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “You spoke just now,” replied du Portail, “of the cousin of Theodose, + Mademoiselle Lydie de la Peyrade. This young woman, who is not in her + first youth, for she is nearly thirty, is the natural daughter of the + celebrated Mademoiselle Beaumesnil of the Theatre Francais and Peyrade, + the commissary-general of police under the Empire, and the uncle of our + friend. Until his death, which occurred suddenly, leaving his daughter, + whom he loved tenderly, without means of support, I was bound to that + excellent man with the warmest friendship.” + </p> + <p> + Glad to show that he had some knowledge of du Portail’s interior life, + Cerizet hastened to remark:— + </p> + <p> + “And you have secretly fulfilled the duties of that friendship, monsieur; + for, in taking into your home that interesting orphan you assumed a + difficult guardianship. Mademoiselle de la Peyrade’s state of health + requires, I am told, a care not only affectionate, but persevering.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied du Portail, “the poor girl, after the death of her father, + was so cruelly tried that her mind has been somewhat affected; but a + fortunate change has lately occurred in her condition, and only yesterday + I called in consultation Doctor Bianchon and the two physicians-in-charge + of Bicetre and the Salpetriere. These gentlemen unanimously declare that + marriage and the birth of a first child would undoubtedly restore her to + perfect health. You can readily understand that the remedy is too easy and + agreeable not to be attempted.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Cerizet, “it is to Mademoiselle Lydie de la Peyrade, his + cousin, that you wish to marry Theodose.” + </p> + <p> + “You have said it,” returned du Portail, “and you must not think that our + young friend, if he accepts the marriage, will be called upon to show a + gratuitous devotion. Lydie is very agreeable in person; she has talents, a + charming disposition, and she can bring to bear, in her husband’s + interest, a strong influence in public life. She has, moreover, a pretty + fortune, consisting of what her mother left her, and of my entire + property, which, having no heirs myself, I intend to secure to her in the + marriage contract. Besides all this, she has this very night acquired a + not inconsiderable legacy.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Cerizet, “do you mean that old Toupillier—” + </p> + <p> + “By a will in his own handwriting, which I have here, that old pauper + constitutes her his sole legatee. You see, therefore, that I showed some + kindness in not proceeding against you and Madame Cardinal for your little + attempt last night; it was simply our property that you were trying to + pillage.” + </p> + <p> + “Heavens!” cried Cerizet, “I won’t pretend to excuse Madame Cardinal’s + misconduct; and yet, as one of the legal heirs, dispossessed by a + stranger, she had, it seems to me, some right to the indulgence which you + certainly showed to her.” + </p> + <p> + “In that you are mistaken,” said du Portail; “the apparent liberality of + the old beggar to Mademoiselle de la Peyrade happens to be only a + restitution.” + </p> + <p> + “A restitution!” exclaimed Cerizet, in a tone of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “A restitution,” repeated du Portail, “and nothing is easier than to prove + it. Do you remember the robbery of some diamonds from one of our dramatic + celebrities about ten years ago?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Cerizet. “I was manager of one of my newspapers at the + time, and I used to write the ‘Paris items.’ But stay, I remember, the + actress who lost them was Mademoiselle Beaumesnil.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely; the mother of Mademoiselle de la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “Consequently, this miserable old Toupillier—no, I remember that the + thief was convicted; his name was Charles Crochard. It was said, under the + rose, that he was the natural son of a great personage, the Comte de + Granville, attorney-general under the Restoration.” [See “A Double Life.”] + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said du Portail, “this is how it happened. The robbery was + committed in a house in the rue de Tournon, occupied by Mademoiselle + Beaumesnil. Charles Crochard, who was a handsome fellow, was said to have + the run of it—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” cried Cerizet, “I remember Mademoiselle Beaumesnil’s + embarrassment when she gave her testimony—and also the total + extinction of voice that attacked her when the judge asked her age.” + </p> + <p> + “The robbery,” continued du Portail, “was audaciously committed in the + daytime; and no sooner did Charles Crochard get possession of the casket + than he went to the church of Saint-Sulpice, where he had an appointment + with an accomplice, who, being supplied with a passport, was to start + immediately with the diamonds for foreign parts. It so chanced that on + entering the church, instead of meeting the man he expected, who was a + trifle late, Charles Crochard came face to face with a celebrated agent of + the detective force, who was well known to him, inasmuch as the young + rascal was not at his first scrimmage with the police. The absence of his + accomplice, this encounter with the detective, and, lastly, a rapid + movement made by the latter, by the merest chance, toward the door, + induced the robber to fancy he was being watched. Losing his head under + this idea, he wanted, at any cost, to put the casket out of his + possession, knowing that if arrested, as he expected, at the door of the + church, it would be a damning proof against him. Catching sight at that + moment of Toupillier, who was then the giver of holy water, ‘My man,’ said + he, making sure that no one overheard their colloquy, ‘will you take care + of this little package for me? It is a box of lace. I am going near by to + a countess who is slow to pay her bill; and if I have the lace with me + she’ll want to see it, for it is a new style, and she’ll ask me to leave + it with her on credit, instead of paying the bill; therefore I don’t want + to take it. But,’ he added, ‘be sure not to touch the paper that wraps the + box, for there’s nothing harder than to do up a package in the same folds—‘” + </p> + <p> + “The booby!” cried Cerizet, naively; “why, that very caution would make + the man want to open it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an able casuist,” said du Portail. “Well, an hour later, Charles + Crochard, finding that nothing happened to him, returned to the church to + obtain his deposit, but Toupillier was no longer there. You can imagine + the anxiety with which Charles Crochard attended early mass the next day, + and approached the giver of holy water, who was there, sure enough, + attending to his functions. But night, they say, brings counsel; the + worthy beggar audaciously declared that he had received no package, and + did not know what his interlocutor meant.” + </p> + <p> + “And there was no possibility of arguing with him, for that would be + exposure,” remarked Cerizet, who was not far from sympathizing in a trick + so boldly played. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” resumed du Portail; “the robbery was already noised about, and + Toupillier, who was a very able fellow, had calculated that Charles + Crochard would not dare to publicly accuse him, for that would reveal the + theft. In fact, on his trial Charles Crochard never said a word of his + mishap, and during the six years he spent at the galleys (he was condemned + to ten, but four were remitted) he did not open his lips to a single soul + about the treachery of which he had been a victim.” + </p> + <p> + “That was pretty plucky,” said Cerizet; the tale excited him, and he + showed openly that he saw the matter as an artist and a connoisseur. + </p> + <p> + “In that interval,” continued du Portail, “Madame Beaumesnil died, leaving + her daughter a few fragments of a once great fortune, and the diamonds + which the will expressly stated Lydie was to receive ‘in case they were + recovered.’” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha!” exclaimed Cerizet, “bad for Toupillier, because, having to do + with a man of your calibre—” + </p> + <p> + “Charles Crochard’s first object on being liberated was vengeance on + Toupillier, and his first step was to denounce him to the police as + receiver of the stolen property. Taken in hand by the law, Toupillier + defended himself with such singular good-humor, being able to show that no + proof whatever existed against him, that the examining judge let him off. + He lost his place, however, as giver of holy water, obtaining, with great + difficulty, permission to beg at the door of the church. For my part, I + was certain of his guilt; and I managed to have the closest watch kept + upon him; though I relied far more upon myself. Being a man of means and + leisure, I stuck, as you may say, to the skin of my thief, and did, in + order to unmask him, one of the cleverest things of my career. He was + living at that time in the rue du Coeur-Volant. I succeeded in becoming + the tenant of the room adjoining his; and one night, through a gimlet hole + I had drilled in the partition, I saw my man take the case of diamonds + from a very cleverly contrived hiding-place. He sat for an hour gazing at + them and fondling them; he made them sparkle in the light, he pressed them + passionately to his lips. The man actually loved those diamonds for + themselves, and had never thought of turning them to money.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” said Cerizet,—“a mania like that of Cardillac, the + jeweller, which has now been dramatized.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just it,” returned du Portail; “the poor wretch was in love with + that casket; so that when, shortly after, I entered his room and told him + I knew all, he proposed to me to leave him the life use of what he called + the consolation of his old age, pledging himself to make Mademoiselle de + la Peyrade his sole heir, revealing to me at the same time the existence + of a hoard of gold (to which he was adding every day), and also the + possession of a house and an investment in the Funds.” + </p> + <p> + “If he made that proposal in good faith,” said Cerizet, “it was a + desirable one. The interest of the capital sunk in the diamonds was more + than returned by that from the other property.” + </p> + <p> + “You now see, my dear sir,” said du Portail, “that I was not mistaken in + trusting him. All my precautions were well taken; I exacted that he should + occupy a room in the house I lived in, where I could keep a close eye upon + him. I assisted him in making that hiding-place, the secret of which you + discovered so cleverly; but what you did not find out was that in touching + the spring that opened the iron safe you rang a bell in my apartment, + which warned me of any attempt that was made to remove our treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Madame Cardinal!” cried Cerizet, good-humoredly, “how far she was + from suspecting it!” + </p> + <p> + “Now here’s the situation,” resumed du Portail. “On account of the + interest I feel in the nephew of my old friend, and also, on account of + the relationship, this marriage seems to me extremely desirable; in short, + I unite Theodose to his cousin and her ‘dot.’ As it is possible that, + considering the mental state of his future wife, Theodose may object to + sharing my views, I have not thought it wise to make this proposal + directly to himself. You have suddenly turned up upon my path; I know + already that you are clever and wily, and that knowledge induces me to put + this little matrimonial negotiation into your hands. Now, I think, you + understand the matter thoroughly; speak to him of a fine girl, with one + little drawback, but, on the other hand, a comfortable fortune. Do not + name her to him; and come here and let me know how the proposal has been + taken.” + </p> + <p> + “Your confidence delights me as much as it honors me,” replied Cerizet, + “and I will justify it the best I can.” + </p> + <p> + “We must not expect too much,” said du Portail. “Refusal will be the first + impulse of a man who has an affair on hand elsewhere; but we need not + consider ourselves beaten. I shall not easily give up a plan which I know + to be just, even if I push my zeal so far as to put la Peyrade under lock + and key in Clichy. I am resolved not to take no for his answer to a + proposal of which, in the end, he cannot fail to see the propriety. + Therefore, in any case, buy up those notes from Monsieur Dutocq.” + </p> + <p> + “At par?” asked Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at par, if you cannot do better; we are not going to haggle over a + few thousand francs; only, when this transaction is arranged, Monsieur + Dutocq must pledge us either his assistance, or, at the very least, his + neutrality. After what you have said of the other marriage, it is + unnecessary for me to warn you that there is not a moment to lose in + putting our irons into the fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Two days hence I have an appointment with la Peyrade,” said Cerizet. “We + have a little matter of business of our own to settle. Don’t you think it + would be best to wait till then, when I can introduce the proposal + incidentally? In case of resistance, I think that arrangement would best + conduce to OUR dignity.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said du Portail; “it isn’t much of a delay. Remember, + monsieur, that if you succeed you have, in place of a man able to bring + you to a stern account for your <i>imprudent assistance</i> to Madame + Cardinal, a greatly obliged person, who will be ready at all times to + serve you, and whose influence is greater than is generally supposed.” + </p> + <p> + After these friendly words, the pair separated with a thoroughly good + understanding, and well satisfied with each other. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. IN WHICH THE LAMB DEVOURS THE WOLF + </h2> + <p> + The evening before the day already agreed upon, Theodose received from + Cerizet the following note:— + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, lease or no lease, Rocher de Cancale, half-past six o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + As for Dutocq, Cerizet saw him every day, for he was still his copying + clerk; he therefore gave him his invitation by word of mouth; but the + attentive reader must remark a difference in the hour named: + “Quarter-past-six, Rocher de Cancale,” said Cerizet. It was evident, + therefore, that he wanted that fifteen minutes with Dutocq before the + arrival of la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + These minutes the usurer proposed to employ in jockeying Dutocq in the + purchase of the notes; he fancied that if the proposition to buy them were + suddenly put before him without the slightest preparation it might be more + readily received. By not leaving the seller time to bethink himself, + perhaps he might lead him to loosen his grasp, and the notes once bought + below par, he could consider at his leisure whether to pocket the + difference or curry favor with du Portail for the discount he had + obtained. Let us say, moreover, that apart from self-interest, Cerizet + would still have endeavored to scrape a little profit out of his friend; + ‘twas an instinct and a need of his nature. He had as great a horror for + straight courses as the lovers of English gardens show in the lines of + their paths. + </p> + <p> + Dutocq, having still a portion of the cost of his practice to pay off, was + forced to live very sparingly, so that a dinner at the Rocher de Cancale + was something of an event in the economy of his straitened existence. He + arrived, therefore, with that punctuality which testifies to an interest + in the occasion, and precisely at a quarter past six he entered the + private room of the restaurant where Cerizet awaited him. + </p> + <p> + “It is queer,” he said; “here we are returned to precisely the situation + in which we began our business relationship with la Peyrade,—except, + to be sure, that this present place of meeting of the three emperors is + more comfortable; I prefer the Tilsit of the rue Montgorgeuil to the + Tilsit of the Cheval Rouge.” + </p> + <p> + “Faith!” said Cerizet, “I don’t know that the results justify the change, + for, to be frank, where are the profits to <i>us</i> in the scheme of our + triumvirate?” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Dutocq, “it was a bargain with a long time limit. It can’t be + said that la Peyrade has lost much time in getting installed—forgive + the pun—at the Thuilleries. The scamp has made his way pretty fast, + you must own that.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so fast but what his marriage,” said Cerizet, “is at the present + moment a very doubtful thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtful!” cried Dutocq; “why doubtful?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am commissioned to propose to him another wife, and I’m not sure + that any choice is left to him.” + </p> + <p> + “What the devil are you about, my dear fellow, lending your hand in this + way to another marriage when you know we have a mortgage on the first?” + </p> + <p> + “One isn’t always master of circumstances, my friend; I saw at once when + the new affair was laid before me that the one we had settled on must + infallibly go by the board. Consequently, I’ve tried to work it round in + our interests, yours and mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca! do you mean they are pulling caps for this Theodose? Who is the + new match? Has she money?” + </p> + <p> + “The ‘dot’ is pretty good; quite as much as Mademoiselle Colleville’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I wouldn’t give a fig for it. La Peyrade has signed those notes and + he will pay them.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he pay them? that’s the question. You are not a business man, + neither is Theodose; it may come into his head to dispute the validity of + those notes. What security have we that if the facts about their origin + should come out, and the Thuillier marriage shouldn’t come off, the court + of commerce mightn’t annul them as ‘obligations without cause.’ For my + part, I should laugh at such a decision; I can stand it; and, moreover, my + precautions are taken; but you, as clerk to a justice-of-peace, don’t you + see that such an affair would give the chancellor a bone to pick with + you?” + </p> + <p> + “But, my good fellow,” said Dutocq, with the ill-humor of a man who sees + himself face to face with an argument he can’t refute, “you seem to have a + mania for stirring up matters and meddling with—” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you again,” said Cerizet, “this came to me; I didn’t seek it; but + I saw at once that there was no use struggling against the influence that + is opposing us; so I chose the course of saving ourselves by a sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “A sacrifice! what sort of sacrifice?” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! I’ve sold my share of those notes, leaving those who bought them + to fight it out with Master barrister.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the purchaser?” + </p> + <p> + “Who do you suppose would step into my shoes unless it were the persons + who have an interest in this other marriage, and who want to hold a power + over Theodose, and control him by force if necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Then my share of the notes is equally important to them?” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt; but I couldn’t speak for you until I had consulted you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do they offer?” + </p> + <p> + “Hang it! my dear fellow, the same that I accepted. Knowing better than + you the danger of their competition I sold out to them on very bad terms.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but what are they, those terms?” + </p> + <p> + “I gave up my shares for fifteen thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come!” said Dutocq, shrugging his shoulders, “what you are after is + to recover a loss (if you made it) by a commission on my share—and + perhaps, after all, the whole thing is only a plot between you and la + Peyrade—” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, my good friend, you don’t mince your words; an infamous + thought comes into your head and you state it with charming frankness. + Luckily you shall presently hear me make the proposal to Theodose, and you + are clever enough to know by his manner if there has been any connivance + between us.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it!” said Dutocq. “I withdraw the insinuation; but I must say your + employers are pirates; I call their proposal throttling people. I have + not, like you, something to fall back upon.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you poor fellow, this is how I reasoned: I said to myself, That + good Dutocq is terribly pressed for the last payment on his practice; this + will give him enough to pay it off at one stroke; events have proved that + there are great uncertainties about our Theodose-and-Thuillier scheme; + here’s money down, live money, and therefore it won’t be so bad a bargain + after all.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a loss of two-fifths!” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said Cerizet, “you were talking just now of commissions. I see a + means of getting one for you if you’ll engage to batter down this + Colleville marriage. If you will cry it down as you have lately cried it + up I shouldn’t despair of getting you a round twenty thousand out of the + affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think that this new proposal will not be agreeable to la + Peyrade,—that he’ll reject it? Is it some heiress on whom he has + already taken a mortgage?” + </p> + <p> + “All that I can tell you is that these people expect some difficulty in + bringing the matter to a conclusion.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t desire better than to follow your lead and do what is + disagreeable to la Peyrade; but five thousand francs—think of it!—it + is too much to lose.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door opened, and a waiter ushered in the expected + guest. + </p> + <p> + “You can serve dinner,” said Cerizet to the waiter; “we are all here.” + </p> + <p> + It was plain that Theodose was beginning to take wing toward higher social + spheres; elegance was becoming a constant thought in his mind. He appeared + in a dress suit and varnished shoes, whereas his two associates received + him in frock-coats and muddy boots. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” he said, “I think I am a little late, but that devil of a + Thuillier is the most intolerable of human beings about a pamphlet I am + concocting for him. I was unlucky enough to agree to correct the proofs + with him, and over every paragraph there’s a fight. ‘What I can’t + understand,’ he says, ‘the public can’t, either. I’m not a man of letters, + but I’m a practical man’; and that’s the way we battle it, page after + page. I thought the sitting this afternoon would never end.” + </p> + <p> + “How unreasonable you are, my dear fellow,” said Dutocq; “when a man wants + to succeed he must have the courage to make sacrifices. Once married, you + can lift your head.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes!” said la Peyrade with a sigh, “I’ll lift it; for since the day + you made me eat this bread of anguish I’ve become terribly sick of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Cerizet,” said Dutocq, “has a plan that will feed you more succulently.” + </p> + <p> + Nothing more was said at the moment, for justice had to be done to the + excellent fare ordered by Cerizet in honor of his coming lease. As usually + happens at dinners where affairs are likely to be discussed, each man, + with his mind full of them, took pains not to approach those topics, + fearing to compromise his advantages by seeming eager; the conversation, + therefore, continued for a long time on general subjects, and it was not + until the dessert was served that Cerizet brought himself to ask la + Peyrade what had been settled about the terms of his lease. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, my friend,” replied Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “What! nothing? I certainly allowed you time enough to decide the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as to that, something is decided. There will not be any principal + tenant at all; Mademoiselle Brigitte is going to let the house herself.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a singular thing,” said Cerizet, stiffly. “After your agreement + with me, I certainly did not expect such a result as this.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I help it, my dear fellow? I agreed with you, barring amendments + on the other side; I wasn’t able to give another turn to the affair. In + her natural character as a managing woman and a sample of perpetual + motion, Brigitte has reflected that she might as well manage that house + herself and put into her own pocket the profits you proposed to make. I + said all I could about the cares and annoyances which she would certainly + saddle upon herself. ‘Oh! nonsense!’ she said; ‘they’ll stir my blood and + do my health good!’” + </p> + <p> + “It is pitiable!” said Cerizet. “That poor old maid will never know which + end to take hold of; she doesn’t imagine what it is to have an empty + house, and which must be filled with tenants from garret to cellar.” + </p> + <p> + “I plied her with all those arguments,” replied la Peyrade; “but I + couldn’t move her resolution. Don’t you see, my dear democrats, you + stirred up the revolution of ‘89; you thought to make a fine speculation + in dethroning the noble by the bourgeois, and the end of it is you are + shoved out yourselves. This looks like paradox; but you’ve found out now + that the peasant and clodhopper isn’t malleable; he can’t be forced down + and kept under like the noble. The aristocracy, on behalf of its dignity, + would not condescend to common cares, and was therefore dependent on a + crowd of plebeian servitors to whom it had to trust for three-fourths of + the actions of its own life. That was the reign of stewards and bailiffs, + wily fellows, into whose hands the interests of the great families passed, + and who fed and grew fat on the parings of the great fortunes they + managed. But now-a-days, utilitarian theories, as they call them, have + come to the fore,—‘We are never so well served as by ourselves,’ + ‘There’s no shame in attending to one’s own business,’ and many other + bourgeois maxims which have suppressed the role of intermediaries. Why + shouldn’t Mademoiselle Brigitte Thuillier manage her own house when dukes + and peers go in person to the Bourse, where such men sign their own leases + and read the deeds before they sign them, and go themselves to the notary, + whom, in former days, they considered a servant.” + </p> + <p> + During this time Cerizet had time to recover from the blow he had just + received squarely in the face, and to think of the transition he had to + make from one set of interests to the other, of which he was now the + agent. + </p> + <p> + “What you are declaiming there is all very clever,” he said, carelessly, + “but the thing that proves to me our defeat is the fact that you are not + on the terms with Mademoiselle Thuillier you would have us believe you + are. She is slipping through your fingers; and I don’t think that marriage + is anything like as certain as Dutocq and I have been fancying it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no doubt,” said la Peyrade, “there are still some touches to be + given to our sketch, but I believe it is well under way.” + </p> + <p> + “And I think, on the contrary, that you have lost ground; and the reason + is simple: you have done those people an immense service; and that’s a + thing never forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we shall see,” said la Peyrade. “I have more than one hold upon + them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you are mistaken. You thought you did a brilliant thing in putting + them on a pinnacle, but the fact is you emancipated them; they’ll keep you + now at heel. The human heart, particularly the bourgeois heart, is made + that way. If I were in your place I shouldn’t feel so sure of being on + solid ground, and if something else turned up that offered me a good + chance—” + </p> + <p> + “What! just because I couldn’t get you the lease of that house do you want + to knock everything to pieces?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Cerizet, “I am not looking at the matter in the light of my own + interests; I don’t doubt that as a trustworthy friend you have done every + imaginable thing to promote them; but I think the manner in which you have + been shoved aside a very disturbing symptom. It even decides me to tell + you something I did not intend to speak of; because, in my opinion, when + persons start a course they ought to keep on steadily, looking neither + forward nor back, and not allowing themselves to be diverted to other + aspirations.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” cried la Peyrade, “what does all this verbiage mean? Have you + anything to propose to me? What’s the price of it?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Theodose,” said Cerizet, paying no attention to the impertinence, + “you yourself can judge of the value of discovering a young girl, well + brought-up, adorned with beauty and talents and a ‘dot’ equal to that of + Celeste, which she has in her own right, <i>plus</i> fifty thousand + francs’ worth of diamonds (as Mademoiselle Georges says on her posters in + the provinces), and, moreover,—a fact which ought to strike the mind + of an ambitious man,—a strong political influence, which she can use + for a husband.” + </p> + <p> + “And this treasure you hold in your hand?” said la Peyrade, in a tone of + incredulity. + </p> + <p> + “Better still, I am authorized to offer it to you; in fact, I might say + that I am charged to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend, you are poking fun at me; unless, indeed, this phoenix has + some hideous or prohibitory defect.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’ll admit,” said Cerizet, “that there is a slight objection, not + on the score of family, for, to tell the truth, the young woman has none—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said la Peyrade, “a natural child—Well, what next?” + </p> + <p> + “Next, she is not so very young,—something like twenty-nine or so; + but there’s nothing easier than to turn an elderly girl into a young widow + if you have imagination.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all the venom in it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all that is irreparable.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that? Is it a case of rhinoplasty?” + </p> + <p> + Addressed to Cerizet the word had an aggressive air, which, in fact, was + noticeable since the beginning of the dinner in the whole manner and + conversation of the barrister. But it did not suit the purpose of the + negotiator to resent it. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he replied, “our nose is as well made as our foot and our waist; but + we may, perhaps, have a slight touch of hysteria.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! very good,” said la Peyrade; “and as from hysteria to insanity there + is but a step—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes,” interrupted Cerizet, hastily, “sorrows have affected our + brain slightly; but the doctors are unanimous in their diagnosis; they all + say that after the birth of the first child not a trace will remain of + this little trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to admit that doctors are infallible,” replied la Peyrade; + “but, in spite of your discouragement, you must allow me, my friend, to + persist in my suit to Mademoiselle Colleville. Perhaps it is ridiculous to + confess it, but the truth is I am gradually falling in love with that + little girl. It isn’t that her beauty is resplendent, or that the glitter + of her ‘dot’ has dazzled me, but I find in that child a great fund of + sound sense joined to simplicity; and, what to mind is of greater + consequence, her sincere and solid piety attracts me; I think a husband + ought to be very happy with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Cerizet, who, having been on the stage, may very well have + known his Moliere, “this marriage will crown your wishes with all good; it + will be filled with sweetness and with pleasures.” + </p> + <p> + The allusion to Tartuffe was keenly felt by la Peyrade, who took it up and + said, hotly:— + </p> + <p> + “The contact with innocence will disinfect me of the vile atmosphere in + which I have lived too long.” + </p> + <p> + “And you will pay your notes of hand,” added Cerizet, “which I advise you + to do with the least possible delay; for Dutocq here was saying to me just + now that he would like to see the color of your money.” + </p> + <p> + “I? not at all,” interposed Dutocq. “I think, on the contrary, that our + friend has a right to the delay.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “I agree with Cerizet. I hold that the less a + debt is due, and therefore the more insecure and open to contention it is, + the sooner one ought to free one’s self by paying it.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear la Peyrade,” said Dutocq, “why take this bitter tone?” + </p> + <p> + Pulling from his pocket a portfolio, la Peyrade said:— + </p> + <p> + “Have you those notes with you, Dutocq?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith! no, my dear fellow,” replied Dutocq, “I don’t carry them about + with me; besides, they are in Cerizet’s hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the barrister, rising, “whenever you come to my house I’ll + pay you on the nail, as Cerizet can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “What! are you going to leave us without your coffee?” said Cerizet, + amazed to the last degree. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I have an arbitration case at eight o’clock. Besides, we have said + all we had to say. You haven’t your lease, but you’ve got your twenty five + thousand francs in full, and those of Dutocq are ready for him whenever he + chooses to come to my office. I see nothing now to prevent me from going + where my private business calls me, and I therefore very cordially bid you + good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca! Dutocq,” cried Cerizet, as la Peyrade disappeared, “this means a + rupture.” + </p> + <p> + “Prepared with the utmost care,” added Dutocq. “Did you notice the air + with which he pulled out that pocket-book?” + </p> + <p> + “But where the devil,” said the usurer, “could he have got the money?” + </p> + <p> + “Probably,” replied Dutocq, sarcastically, “where he got that with which + he paid you in full for those notes you sold at a sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Dutocq,” said Cerizet, “I’ll explain to you the circumstances + under which that insolent fellow freed himself, and you’ll see if he + didn’t rob me of fifteen thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, but you, my worthy clerk, were trying to get ten thousand away + from me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; I was positively ordered to buy up your claim; and you ought to + remember that my offer had risen to twenty thousand when Theodose came + in.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Dutocq, “when we leave here we’ll go to your house, where you + will give me those notes; for, you’ll understand that to-morrow morning, + at the earliest decent hour, I shall go to la Peyrade’s office; I don’t + mean to let his paying humor cool.” + </p> + <p> + “And right you are; for I can tell you now that before long there’ll be a + fine upset in his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the thing is really serious—this tale of a crazy woman you + want him to marry? I must say that in his place, with these money-matters + evidently on the rise, I should have backed out of your proposals just as + he did. Ninas and Ophelias are all very well on the stage, but in a home—” + </p> + <p> + “In a home, when they bring a ‘dot,’ we can be their guardian,” replied + Cerizet, sententiously. “In point of fact, we get a fortune and not a + wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Dutocq, “that’s one way to look at it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are willing,” said Cerizet, “let us go and take our coffee + somewhere else. This dinner has turned out so foolishly that I want to get + out of this room, where there’s no air.” He rang for the waiter. “Garcon!” + he said, “the bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur, it is paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Paid! by whom?” + </p> + <p> + “By the gentleman who just went out.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is outrageous,” cried Cerizet. “I ordered the dinner, and you + allow some one else to pay for it!” + </p> + <p> + “It wasn’t I, monsieur,” said the waiter; “the gentleman went and paid the + ‘dame du comptoir’; she must have thought it was arranged between you. + Besides, it is not so uncommon for gentlemen to have friendly disputes + about paying.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s enough,” said Cerizet, dismissing the waiter. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t these gentlemen take their coffee?—it is paid for,” said the + man before he left the room. + </p> + <p> + “A good reason for not taking it,” replied Cerizet, angrily. “It is really + inconceivable that in a house of this kind such an egregious blunder + should be committed. What do you think of such insolence?” he added, when + the waiter had left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Bah!” exclaimed Dutocq, taking his hat, “it is a schoolboy proceeding; he + wanted to show he had money; it is easy to see he never had any before.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! that’s not it,” said Cerizet; “he meant to mark the rupture. ‘I + will not owe you even a dinner,’ is what he says to me.” + </p> + <p> + “But, after all,” said Dutocq, “this banquet was given to celebrate your + enthronement as principal tenant of the grand house. Well, he has failed + to get you the lease, and I can understand that his conscience was uneasy + at letting you pay for a dinner which, like those notes of mine, were an + ‘obligation without cause.’” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet made no reply to this malicious observation. They had reached the + counter where reigned the dame who had permitted the improper payment, + and, for the sake of his dignity, the usurer thought it proper to make a + fuss. After which the two men departed, and the copying-clerk took his + employer to a low coffee-house in the Passage du Saumon. There Cerizet + recovered his good-humor; he was like a fish out of water suddenly + returned to his native element; for he had reached that state of + degradation when he felt ill at ease in places frequented by good society; + and it was with a sort of sensuous pleasure that he felt himself back in + the vulgar place where they were noisily playing pool for the benefit of a + “former conqueror of the Bastille.” + </p> + <p> + In this establishment Cerizet enjoyed the fame of being a skilful + billiard-player, and he was now entreated to take part in a game already + begun. In technical language, he “bought his ball”; that is, one of the + players sold him his turn and his chances. Dutocq profited by this + arrangement to slip away, on pretence of inquiring for a sick friend. + </p> + <p> + Presently, in his shirt-sleeves, with a pipe between his lips, Cerizet + made one of those masterly strokes which bring down the house with frantic + applause. As he waited a moment, looking about him triumphantly, his eye + lighted on a terrible kill-joy. Standing among the spectators with his + chin on his cane, du Portail was steadily watching him. + </p> + <p> + A tinge of red showed itself in Cerizet’s cheeks. He hesitated to bow or + to recognize the old gentleman, a most unlikely person to meet in such a + place. Not knowing how to take the unpleasant encounter, he went on + playing; but his hand betrayed his uneasiness, and presently an unlucky + stroke threw him out of the game. While he was putting on his coat in a + tolerably ill-humor, du Portail passed, almost brushing him, on his way to + the door. + </p> + <p> + “Rue Montmartre, at the farther end of the Passage,” said the old man, in + a low tone. + </p> + <p> + When they met, Cerizet had the bad taste to try to explain the + disreputable position in which he had just been detected. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said du Portail, “in order to see you there, I had to be there + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” returned Cerizet. “I was rather surprised to see a quiet + inhabitant of the Saint-Sulpice quarter in such a place.” + </p> + <p> + “It merely proves to you,” said the little old man, in a tone which cut + short all explanation, and all curiosity, “that I am in the habit of going + pretty nearly everywhere, and that my star leads me into the path of those + persons whom I wish to meet. I was thinking of you at the very moment you + came in. Well, what have you done?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing good,” replied Cerizet. “After playing me a devilish trick which + deprived me of a magnificent bit of business, our man rejected your + overture with scorn. There is no hope whatever in that claim of Dutocq’s; + for la Peyrade is chock-full of money; he wanted to pay the notes just + now, and to-morrow morning he will certainly do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he regard his marriage to this Demoiselle Colleville as a settled + thing?” + </p> + <p> + “He not only considers it settled, but he is trying now to make people + believe it is a love-match. He rattled off a perfect tirade to convince me + that he is really in love.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said du Portail, wishing, perhaps, to show that he could, on + occasion, use the slang of a low billiard-room, “‘stop the charge’” + (meaning: Do nothing more); “I will undertake to bring monsieur to reason. + But come and see me to-morrow, and tell me all about the family he intends + to enter. You have failed in this affair; but don’t mind that; I shall + have others for you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he signed to the driver of an empty citadine, which was + passing, got into it, and, with a nod to Cerizet, told the man to drive to + the rue Honore-Chevalier. + </p> + <p> + As Cerizet walked down the rue Montmartre to regain the Estrapade quarter, + he puzzled his brains to divine who that little old man with the curt + speech, the imperious manner, and a tone that seemed to cast upon all + those with whom he spoke a boarding-grapnel, could be; a man, too, who + came from such a distance to spend his evening in a place where, judging + by his clothes alone, he had no business to be. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet had reached the Market without finding any solution to that + problem, when he was roughly shaken out of it by a heavy blow in the back. + Turning hastily, he found himself in presence of Madame Cardinal, an + encounter with whom, at a spot where she came every morning to get fish to + peddle, was certainly not surprising. + </p> + <p> + Since that evening in Toupillier’s garret, the worthy woman, in spite of + the clemency so promptly shown to her, had judged it imprudent to make + other than very short apparitions in her own domicile, and for the last + two days she had been drowning among the liquor-dealers (called “retailers + of comfort”) the pangs of her defeat. With flaming face and thickened + voice she now addressed her late accomplice:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, papa,” she said, “what happened after I left you with that little + old fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “I made him understand in a very few words,” replied the banker of the + poor, “that it was all a mistake as to me. In this affair, my dear Madame + Cardinal, you behaved with a really unpardonable heedlessness. How came + you to ask my assistance in obtaining your inheritance from your uncle, + when with proper inquiry you might have known there was a natural + daughter, in whose favor he had long declared he should make a will? That + little old man, who interrupted you in your foolish attempt to anticipate + your legacy, was no other than the guardian of the daughter to whom + everything is left.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! guardian, indeed! a fine thing, guardian!” cried the Cardinal. “To + talk of a woman of my age, just because I wanted to see if my uncle owned + anything at all, to talk to <i>me</i> of the police! It’s hateful! it’s <i>disgusting</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come!” said Cerizet, “you needn’t complain; you got off cheaply.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and you, who broke the locks and said you were going to take the + diamonds, under color of marrying my daughter! Just as if she would have + you,—a legitimate daughter like her! ‘Never, mother,’ said she; + ‘never will I give my heart to a man with such a nose.’” + </p> + <p> + “So you’ve found her, have you?” said Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Not until last night. She has left her blackguard of a player, and she is + now, I flatter myself, in a fine position, eating money; has her citadine + by the month, and is much respected by a barrister who would marry her at + once, but he has got to wait till his parents die, for the father happens + to be mayor, and the government wouldn’t like it.” + </p> + <p> + “What mayor?” + </p> + <p> + “11th arrondissement,—Minard, powerfully rich, used to do a business + in cocoa.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! very good! very good! I know all about him. You say Olympe is living + with his son?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, not to say living together, for that would make talk, though he + only sees her with good motives. He lives at home with his father, but he + has bought their furniture, and has put it, and my daughter, too, into a + lodging in the Chausee d’Antin; stylish quarter, isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me pretty well arranged,” said Cerizet; “and as Heaven, it + appears, didn’t destine us for each other—” + </p> + <p> + “No, yes, well, that’s how it was; and I think that girl is going to give + me great satisfaction; and there’s something I want to consult you about.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” demanded Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my daughter being in luck, I don’t think I ought to continue to cry + fish in the streets; and now that my uncle has disinherited me, I have, it + seems to me, a right to an ‘elementary allowance.’” + </p> + <p> + “You are dreaming, my poor woman; your daughter is a minor; it is you who + ought to be feeding her; the law doesn’t require her to give you aliment.” + </p> + <p> + “Then do you mean,” said Madame Cardinal, “that those who have nothing are + to give to those who have much? A fine thing such a law as that! It’s as + bad as guardians who, for nothing at all, talk about calling the police. + Yes! I’d like to see ‘em calling the police to me! Let ‘em guillotine me! + It won’t prevent my saying that the rich are swindlers; yes, swindlers! + and the people ought to make another revolution to get their rights; and + <i>then</i>, my lad, you, and my daughter, and barrister Minard, and that + little old guardian, you’ll all come down under it—” + </p> + <p> + Perceiving that his ex-mother-in-law was reaching stage of exaltation that + was not unalarming, Cerizet hastened to get away, her epithets pursuing + him for more than a hundred feet; but he comforted himself by thinking + that he would make her pay for them the next time she came to his back to + ask for a “convenience.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. SET A SAINT TO CATCH A SAINT + </h2> + <p> + As he approached his own abode, Cerizet, who was nothing so little as + courageous, felt an emotion of fear. He perceived a form ambushed near the + door, which, as he came nearer, detached itself as if to meet him. + Happily, it was only Dutocq. He came for his notes. Cerizet returned them + in some ill-humor, complaining of the distrust implied in a visit at such + an hour. Dutocq paid no attention to this sensitiveness, and the next + morning, very early, he presented himself at la Peyrade’s. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade paid, as he had promised, on the nail, and to a few sentinel + remarks uttered by Dutocq as soon as the money was in his pocket, he + answered with marked coldness. His whole external appearance and behavior + was that of a slave who has burst his chain and has promised himself not + to make a gospel use of his liberty. + </p> + <p> + As he conducted his visitor to the door, the latter came face to face with + a woman in servant’s dress, who was just about to ring the bell. This + woman was, apparently, known to Dutocq, for he said to her:— + </p> + <p> + “Ha ha! little woman; so we feel the necessity of consulting a barrister? + You are right; at the family council very serious matters were brought up + against you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God, I fear no one. I can walk with my head up,” said the person + thus addressed. + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for you,” replied the clerk of the justice-of-peace; + “but you will probably be summoned before the judge who examines the + affair. At any rate, you are in good hands here; and my friend la Peyrade + will advise you for the best.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur is mistaken,” said the woman; “it is not for what he thinks that + I have come to consult a lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, be careful what you say and do, my dear woman, for I warn you you + are going to be finely picked to pieces. The relations are furious against + you, and you can’t get the idea out of their heads that you have got a + great deal of money.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking thus, Dutocq kept his eye on Theodose, who bore the look + uneasily, and requested his client to enter. + </p> + <p> + Here follows a scene which had taken place the previous afternoon between + this woman and la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade, we may remember, was in the habit of going to early mass at + his parish church. For some little time he had felt himself the object of + a singular attention which he could not explain on the part of the woman + whom we have just seen entering his office, who daily attended the church + at, as Dorine says, his “special hour.” Could it be for love? That + explanation was scarcely compatible with the maturity and the saintly, + beatific air of this person, who, beneath a plain cap, called “a la + Janseniste,” by which fervent female souls of that sect were recognized, + affected, like a nun, to hide her hair. On the other hand, the rest of her + clothing was of a neatness that was almost dainty, and the gold cross at + her throat, suspended by a black velvet ribbon, excluded the idea of + humble and hesitating mendicity. + </p> + <p> + The morning of the day on which the dinner at the Rocher de Cancale was to + take place, la Peyrade, weary of a performance which had ended by + preoccupying his mind, went up to the woman and asked her pointblank if + she had any request to make of him. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” she answered, in a tone of solemnity, “is, I think, the + celebrated Monsieur de la Peyrade, the advocate of the poor?” + </p> + <p> + “I am la Peyrade; and I have had, it is true, an opportunity to render + services to the indigent persons of this quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it, then, be asking too much of monsieur’s goodness that he should + suffer me to consult him?” + </p> + <p> + “This place,” replied la Peyrade, “is not well chosen for such + consultation. What you have to say to me seems important, to judge by the + length of time you have been hesitating to speak to me. I live near here, + rue Saint-Dominique d’Enfer, and if you will take the trouble to come to + my office—” + </p> + <p> + “It will not annoy monsieur?” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least; my business is to hear clients.” + </p> + <p> + “At what hour—lest I disturb monsieur—?” + </p> + <p> + “When you choose; I shall be at home all the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will hear another mass, at which I can take the communion. I did + not dare to do so at this mass, for the thought of speaking to monsieur so + distracted my mind. I will be at monsieur’s house by eight o’clock, when I + have ended my meditation, if that hour does not inconvenience him.” + </p> + <p> + “No; but there is no necessity for all this ceremony,” replied la Peyrade, + with some impatience. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps a little professional jealousy inspired his ill-humor, for it was + evident that he had to do with an antagonist who was capable of giving him + points. + </p> + <p> + At the hour appointed, not a minute before nor a minute after, the pious + woman rang the bell, and the barrister having, not without some + difficulty, induced her to sit down, he requested her to state her case. + She was then seized with that delaying little cough with which we obtain a + respite when brought face to face with a difficult subject. At last, + however, she compelled herself to approach the object of her visit. + </p> + <p> + “It is to ask monsieur,” she said, “if he would be so very good as to + inform me whether it is true that a charitable gentleman, now deceased, + has bequeathed a fund to reward domestic servants who are faithful to + their masters.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied la Peyrade; “that is to say, Monsieur de Montyon founded + ‘prizes for virtue,’ which are frequently given to zealous and exemplary + domestic servants. But ordinary good conduct is not sufficient; there must + be some act or acts of great devotion, and truly Christian + self-abnegation.” + </p> + <p> + “Religion enjoins humility upon us,” replied the pious woman, “and + therefore I dare not praise myself; but inasmuch as for the last twenty + years I have lived in the service of an old man of the dullest + description, a savant, who has wasted his substance on inventions, so that + I myself have had to feed and clothe him, persons have thought that I am + not altogether undeserving of that prize.” + </p> + <p> + “It is certainly under such conditions that the Academy selects its + candidates,” said la Peyrade. “What is your master’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Pere Picot; he is never called otherwise in our quarter; sometimes he + goes out into the streets as if dressed for the carnival, and all the + little children crowd about him, calling out: ‘How d’ye do, Pere Picot! + Good-morning, Pere Picot!’ But that’s how it is; he takes no care of his + dignity; he goes about full of his own ideas; and though I kill myself + trying to give him appetizing food, if you ask him what he has had for his + dinner he can’t tell you. Yet he’s a man full of ability, and he has + taught good pupils. Perhaps monsieur knows young Phellion, a professor in + the College of Saint-Louis; he was one of his scholars, and he comes to + see him very often.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said la Peyrade, “your master is a mathematician?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur; mathematics have been his bane; they have flung him into a + set of ideas which don’t seem to have any common-sense in them ever since + he has been employed at the Observatory, near here.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “you must bring testimony proving your long + devotion to this old man, and I will then draw up a memorial to the + Academy and take the necessary steps to present it.” + </p> + <p> + “How good monsieur is!” said the pious woman, clasping her hands; “and if + he would also let me tell him of a little difficulty—” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “They tell me, monsieur, that to get this prize persons must be really + very poor.” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly; still, the Academy does endeavor to choose whose who are in + straitened circumstances, and who have made sacrifices too heavy for their + means.” + </p> + <p> + “Sacrifices! I think I may indeed say I have made sacrifices, for the + little property I inherited from my parents has all been spent in keeping + the old man, and for fifteen years I have had no wages, which, at three + hundred francs a year and compound interest, amount now to a pretty little + sum; as monsieur, I am sure, will agree.” + </p> + <p> + At the words “compound interest,” which evidenced a certain amount of + financial culture, la Peyrade looked at this Antigone with increased + attention. + </p> + <p> + “In short,” he said, “your difficulty is—” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur will not think it strange,” replied the saintly person, “that a + very rich uncle dying in England, who had never done anything for his + family in his lifetime, should have left me twenty-five thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said the barrister, “there’s nothing in that but what is + perfectly natural and proper.” + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur, I have been told that the possession of this money will + prevent the judges from considering my claims to the prize.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly; because seeing you in possession of a little competence, the + sacrifices which you apparently intend to continue in favor of your master + will be less meritorious.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never abandon him, poor, dear man, in spite of his faults, though + I know that this poor little legacy which Heaven has given me is in the + greatest danger from him.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” asked la Peyrade, with some curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Eh! monsieur, let him only get wind of that money, and he’d snap it up at + a mouthful; it would all go into his inventions of perpetual motion and + other machines of various kinds which have already ruined him, and me, + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said la Peyrade, “your desire is that this legacy should remain + completely unknown, not only to your master but to the judges of the + Academy?” + </p> + <p> + “How clever monsieur is, and how well he understands things!” she replied, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “And also,” continued the barrister, “you don’t want to keep that money + openly in your possession?” + </p> + <p> + “For fear my master should find it out and get it away from me? Exactly. + Besides, as monsieur will understand, I shouldn’t be sorry, in order to + supply the poor dear man with extra comforts, that the sum should bear + interest.” + </p> + <p> + “And the highest possible interest,” said the barrister. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! as for that, monsieur, five or six per cent.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; then it is not only about the memorial to the Academy for the + prize of virtue, but also about an investment of your legacy that you have + so long been desirous of consulting me?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur is so kind, so charitable, so encouraging!” + </p> + <p> + “The memorial, after I have made a few inquiries, will be easy enough; but + an investment, offering good security, the secret of which you desire to + keep, is much less readily obtained.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if I dared to—” said the pious woman, humbly. + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur understands me?” + </p> + <p> + “I? not the least in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet I prayed earnestly just now that monsieur might be willing to + keep this money for me. I should feel such confidence if it were in his + hands; I know he would return it to me, and never speak of it.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade gathered, at this instant, the fruit of his comedy of legal + devotion to the necessitous classes. The choir of porters chanting his + praises to the skies could alone have inspired this servant-woman with the + boundless confidence of which he found himself the object. His thoughts + reverted instantly to Dutocq and his notes, and he was not far from + thinking that this woman had been sent to him by Providence. But the more + he was inclined to profit by this chance to win his independence, the more + he felt the necessity of seeming to yield only to her importunity; + consequently his objections were many. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, he had no great belief in the character of his client, and did + not care, as the common saying is, to uncover Saint Peter to cover Saint + Paul; in other words, to substitute for a creditor who, after all, was his + accomplice, a woman who might at any time become exacting and insist in + repayment in some public manner that would injure his reputation. He + decided, therefore, to play the game with a high hand. + </p> + <p> + “My good woman,” he said, “I am not in want of money, and I am not rich + enough to pay interest on twenty-five thousand francs for which I have no + use. All that I can do for you is to place that sum, in my name, with the + notary Dupuis. He is a religious man; you can see him every Sunday in the + warden’s pew in our church. Notaries, you know, never give receipts, + therefore I could not give you one myself; I can only promise to leave + among my papers, in case of death, a memorandum which will secure the + restitution of the money into your hands. The affair, you see, is one of + blind confidence, and I am very unwilling to make it. If I do so, it is + only to oblige a person whose piety and the charitable use she intends to + make of the proceeds of her little fortune entitle her to my good-will.” + </p> + <p> + “If monsieur thinks that the matter cannot be otherwise arranged—” + </p> + <p> + “This appears to me the only possible way,” said la Peyrade. “I shall hope + to get you six per cent interest, and you may rely that it will be paid + with the utmost regularity. But remember, six months, or even a year, may + elapse before the notary will be in a position to repay this money, + because notaries invest such trust funds chiefly in mortgages which + require a certain time to mature. Now, when you have obtained the prize + for virtue, which, according to all appearance, I can readily do for you, + there will be no reason to hide your little property any longer,—a + reason which I fully understand; but you will not be able to withdraw it + from the notary’s hands immediately; and in case of any difficulty + arising, I should be forced to explain the situation, the manner in which + you have concealed your prosperity from your master, to whom you have been + supposed to be wholly devoted. This, as you will see, would put you in the + position of falsely professing virtue, and would do great harm to your + reputation for piety.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! monsieur,” said the saintly woman, “can it be that any one would + think me a person who did not speak the truth?” + </p> + <p> + “Bless you! my good creature, in business it is necessary to foresee + everything. Money embroils the best friends, and leads to actions they + never foresaw. Therefore reflect; you can come and see me again in a few + days. It is possible that between now and then you will find some better + investment; and I myself, who am doing at this moment a thing I don’t + altogether like, may have found other difficulties which I do not now + expect.” + </p> + <p> + This threat, adroitly thrown out as an afterthought, was intended to + immediately clinch the matter. + </p> + <p> + “I have reflected carefully,” said the pious woman, “and I feel sure that + in the hands of so religious a man as monsieur I run no risks.” + </p> + <p> + Taking from her bosom a little pocket-book, she pulled out twenty-five + bank notes. The rapid manner in which she counted them was a revelation to + la Peyrade. The woman was evidently accustomed to handle money, and a + singular idea darted through his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Can it be that she is making me a receiver of stolen property? No,” he + said aloud, “in order to draw up the memorial for the Academy, I must, as + I told you, make a few inquiries; and that will give me occasion to call + upon you. At what hour can I see you alone?” + </p> + <p> + “At four o’clock, when monsieur goes to take his walk in the Luxembourg.” + </p> + <p> + “And where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + “Rue du Val-de-Grace, No. 9.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; at four o’clock; and if, as I doubt not, the result of my + inquiry is favorable, I will take your money then. Otherwise, if there are + not good grounds for your application for the prize of virtue there will + be no reason why you should make a mystery of your legacy. You could then + invest it in some more normal manner than that I have suggested to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! how cautious monsieur is!” she said, with evident disappointment, + having thought the affair settled. “This money, God be thanked! I have not + stolen, and monsieur can make what inquiries he likes about me in the + quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite indispensable that I should do so,” said la Peyrade, dryly, + for he did not at all like, under this mask of simplicity, the quick + intelligence that penetrated his thoughts. “Without being a thief, a woman + may very well not be a Sister of Charity; there’s a wide margin between + the two extremes.” + </p> + <p> + “As monsieur chooses,” she replied; “he is doing me so great a service + that I ought to let him take all precautions.” + </p> + <p> + Then, with a piously humble bow, she went away, taking her money with her. + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” thought la Peyrade; “that woman is stronger than I; she + swallows insults with gratitude and without the sign of a grimace! I have + never yet been able to master myself like that.” + </p> + <p> + He began now to fear that he had been too timid, and to think that his + would-be creditor might change her mind before he could pay her the visit + he had promised. But the harm was done, and, although consumed with + anxiety lest he had lost a rare chance, he would have cut off a leg sooner + than yield to his impulse to go to her one minute before the hour he had + fixed. The information he obtained about her in the quarter was rather + contradictory. Some said his client was a saint; otherwise declared her to + be a sly creature; but, on the whole, nothing was said against her + morality that deterred la Peyrade from taking the piece of luck she had + offered him. + </p> + <p> + When he met her at four o’clock he found her in the same mind. + </p> + <p> + With the money in his pocket he went to dine with Cerizet and Dutocq at + the Rocher de Cancale; and it is to the various emotions he had passed + through during the day that we must attribute the sharp and ill-considered + manner in which he conducted his rupture with his two associates. This + behavior was neither that of his natural disposition nor of his acquired + temperament; but the money that was burning in his pockets had slightly + intoxicated him; its very touch had conveyed to him an excitement and an + impatience for emancipation of which he was not wholly master. He flung + Cerizet over in the matter of the lease without so much as consulting + Brigitte; and yet, he had not had the full courage of his duplicity; for + he had laid to the charge of the old woman a refusal which was merely the + act of his own will, prompted by bitter recollections of his fruitless + struggles with the man who had so long oppressed him. + </p> + <p> + In short, during the whole day, la Peyrade had not shown himself the able + and infallible man that we have hitherto seen him. Once before, when he + carried the fifteen thousand francs entrusted to him by Thuillier, he had + been led by Cerizet into an insurrectionary proceeding which necessitated + the affair of Sauvaignou. Perhaps, on the whole, it is more difficult to + be strong under good than under evil fortune. The Farnese Hercules, calm + and in still repose, expresses more energetically the plenitude of + muscular power than a violent and agitated Hercules represented in the + over-excited energy of his labors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART2" id="link2H_PART2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART II. THE PARVENUS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. PHELLION, UNDER A NEW ASPECT + </h2> + <p> + Between the first and second parts of this history an immense event had + taken place in the life of Phellion. + </p> + <p> + There is no one who has not heard of the misfortunes of the Odeon, that + fatal theatre which, for years, ruined all its directors. Right or wrong, + the quarter in which this dramatic impossibility stands is convinced that + its prosperity depends upon it; so that more than once the mayor and other + authorities of the arrondissement have, with a courage that honors them, + taken part in the most desperate efforts to galvanize the corpse. + </p> + <p> + Now to meddle with theatrical matters is one of the eternally perennial + ambitions of the lesser bourgeoisie. Always, therefore, the successive + saviours of the Odeon feel themselves magnificently rewarded if they are + given ever so small a share in the administration of that enterprise. It + was at some crisis in its affairs that Minard, in his capacity as mayor of + the 11th arrondissement, had been called to the chairmanship of the + committee for reading plays, with the power to join unto himself as + assistants a certain number of the notables of the Latin quarter,—the + selection being left to him. + </p> + <p> + We shall soon know exactly how near was the realization of la Peyrade’s + projects for the possession of Celeste’s “dot”; let us merely say now that + these projects in approaching maturity had inevitably become noised + abroad; and as this condition of things pointed, of course, to the + exclusion of Minard junior and also of Felix the professor, the prejudice + hitherto manifested by Minard pere against old Phellion was transformed + into an unequivocal disposition towards friendly cordiality; there is + nothing that binds and soothes like the feeling of a checkmate shared in + common. Judged without the evil eye of paternal rivalry, Phellion became + to Minard a Roman of incorruptible integrity and a man whose little + treatises had been adopted by the University,—in other words, a man + of sound and tested intellect. + </p> + <p> + So that when it became the duty of the mayor to select the members of the + dramatic custom-house, of which he was now the head, he immediately + thought of Phellion. As for the great citizen, he felt, on the day when a + post was offered to him in that august tribunal, that a crown of gold had + been placed upon his brow. + </p> + <p> + It will be well understood that it was not lightly, nor without having + deeply meditated, that a man of Phellion’s solemnity had accepted the high + and sacred mission which was offered to him. He said within himself that + he was called upon to exercise the functions of a magistracy, a priestly + office. + </p> + <p> + “To judge of men,” he replied to Minard, who was much surprised at his + hesitation, “is an alarming task, but to judge of minds!—who can + believe himself equal to such a mission?” + </p> + <p> + Once more the family—that rock on which the firmest resolutions + split—had threatened to infringe on the domain of his conscience. + The thought of boxes and tickets of which the future member of the + committee could dispose in favor of his own kin had excited in the + household so eager a ferment that his freedom of decision seemed for a + moment in danger. But, happily, Brutus was able to decide himself in the + same direction along which a positive uprising of the whole Phellionian + tribe intended to push him. From the observations of Barniol, his + son-in-law, and also by his own personal inspiration, he became persuaded + that by his vote, always given to works of irreproachable morality, and by + his firm determination to bar the way to all plays that mothers of + families could not take their daughters to witness, he was called upon to + render the most signal services to morals and public order. Phellion, to + use his own expression, had therefore become a member of the areopagus + presided over by Minard, and—still speaking as he spoke—he was + issuing from the exercise of his functions, which were both delicate and + interesting, when the conversation we are about to report took place. A + knowledge of this conversation is necessary to an understanding of the + ulterior events of this history, and it will also serve to put into relief + the envious insight which is one of the most marked traits of the + bourgeois character. + </p> + <p> + The session of the committee had been extremely stormy. On the subject of + a tragedy entitled, “The Death of Hercules,” the classic party and the + romantic party, whom the mayor had carefully balanced in the composition + of his committee, had nearly approached the point of tearing each other’s + hair out. Twice Phellion had risen to speak, and his hearers were + astonished at the quantity of metaphors the speech of a major of the + National Guard could contain when his literary convictions were + imperilled. As the result of a vote, victory remained with the opinions of + which Phellion was the eloquent organ. It was while descending the + stairway of the theatre with Minard that he remarked:— + </p> + <p> + “We have done a good work this day. ‘The Death of Hercules’ reminded me of + ‘The Death of Hector,’ by the late Luce de Lancival; the work we have just + accepted sparkles with sublime verses.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Minard, “the versification has taste; there are some really + fine lines in it, and I admit to you that I think this sort of literature + rather above the anagrams of Master Colleville.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” replied Minard, “Colleville’s anagrams are mere witticisms, which + have nothing in common with the sterner accents of Melpomene.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Minard, “I can assure you he attaches the greatest + importance to that rubbish, and apropos to his anagrams, as, indeed, about + many other things, he is not a little puffed up. Since their emigration to + the Madeleine quarter it seems to me that not only the Sieur Colleville, + but his wife and daughter, and the Thuilliers and the whole coterie have + assumed an air of importance which is rather difficult to justify.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder!” said Phellion; “one must have a pretty strong head to stand + the fumes of opulence. Our friends have become so very rich by the + purchase of that property where they have gone to live that we ought to + forgive them for a little intoxication; and I must say the dinner they + gave us yesterday for a house-warming was really as well arranged as it + was succulent.” + </p> + <p> + “I myself,” said Minard, “have given a few remarkable dinners to which men + in high government positions have not disdained to come, yet I am not + puffed up with pride on that account; such as my friends have always known + me, that I have remained.” + </p> + <p> + “You, Monsieur le maire, have long been habituated to the splendid + existence you have made for yourself by your high commercial talents; our + friends, on the contrary, so lately embarked on the smiling ship of + Fortune, have not yet found, as the vulgar saying is, their sea-legs.” + </p> + <p> + And then to cut short a conversation in which Phellion began to think the + mayor rather “caustic,” he made as if he intended to take leave of him. In + order to reach their respective homes they did not always take the same + way. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going through the Luxembourg?” asked Minard, not allowing + Phellion to give him the slip. + </p> + <p> + “I shall cross it, but I have an appointment to meet Madame Phellion and + the little Barniols at the end of the grand alley.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Minard, “I’ll go with you and have the pleasure of making my + bow to Madame Phellion; and I shall get the fresh air at the same time, + for, in spite of hearing fine things, one’s head gets tired at the + business we have just been about.” + </p> + <p> + Minard had felt that Phellion gave rather reluctant assent to his sharp + remarks about the new establishment of the Thuilliers, and he did not + attempt to renew the subject; but when he had Madame Phellion for a + listener, he was very sure that his spite would find an echo. + </p> + <p> + “Well, fair lady,” he began, “what did you think of yesterday’s dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “It was very fine,” replied Madame Phellion; “as I tasted that soup ‘a la + bisque’ I knew that some caterer, like Chevet, had supplanted the cook. + But the whole affair was dull; it hadn’t the gaiety of our old meetings in + the Latin quarter. And then, didn’t it strike you, as it did me, that + Madame and Mademoiselle Thuillier no longer seemed mistresses of their own + house? I really felt as if I were the guest of Madame—what <i>is</i> + her name? I never can remember it.” + </p> + <p> + “Torna, Comtesse de Godollo,” said Phellion, intervening. “The name is + euphonious enough to remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Euphonious if you like, my dear; but to me it never seems a name at all.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a Magyar, or to speak more commonly, a Hungarian name. Our own + name, if we wanted to discuss it, might be said to be a loan from the + Greek language.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely; at any rate we have the advantage of being known, not only + in our own quarter, but throughout the tuition world, where we have earned + an honorable position; while this Hungarian countess, who makes, as they + say, the good and the bad weather in the Thuilliers’ home, where does she + come from, I’d like to know? How did such a fine lady,—for she has + good manners and a very distinguished air, no one denies her that,—how + came she to fall in love with Brigitte; who, between ourselves, keeps a + sickening odor of the porter’s lodge about her. For my part, I think this + devoted friend is an intriguing creature, who scents money, and is + scheming for some future gain.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” said Minard, “then you don’t know the original cause of the + intimacy between Madame la Comtesse de Godollo and the Thuilliers?” + </p> + <p> + “She is a tenant in their house; she occupies the entresol beneath their + apartment.” + </p> + <p> + “True, but there’s something more than that in it. Zelie, my wife, heard + it from Josephine, who wanted, lately, to enter our service; the matter + came to nothing, for Francoise, our woman, who thought of marrying, + changed her mind. You must know, fair lady, that it was solely Madame de + Godollo who brought about the emigration of the Thuilliers, whose + upholsterer, as one might say, she is.” + </p> + <p> + “What! their upholsterer?” cried Phellion,—“that distinguished + woman, of whom one may truly say, ‘Incessu patuit dea’; which in French we + very inadequately render by the expression, ‘bearing of a queen’?” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” said Minard. “I did not mean that Madame de Godollo is + actually in the furniture business; but, at the time when Mademoiselle + Thuillier decided, by la Peyrade’s advice, to manage the new house + herself, that little fellow, who hasn’t all the ascendancy over her mind + he thinks he has, couldn’t persuade her to move the family into the + splendid apartment where they received us yesterday. Mademoiselle Brigitte + objected that she should have to change her habits, and that her friends + and relations wouldn’t follow her to such a distant quarter—” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite certain,” interrupted Madame Phellion, “that to make up one’s + mind to hire a carriage every Sunday, one wants a prospect of greater + pleasure than can be found in that salon. When one thinks that, except on + the day of the famous dance of the candidacy, they never once opened the + piano in the rue Saint-Dominique!” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been, I am sure, most agreeable to the company to have a + talent like yours put in requisition,” remarked Minard; “but those are not + ideas that could ever come into the mind of that good Brigitte. She’d have + seen two more candles to light. Five-franc pieces are her music. So, when + la Peyrade and Thuillier insisted that she should move into the apartment + in the Place de la Madeleine, she thought of nothing but the extra costs + entailed by the removal. She judged, rightly enough, that beneath those + gilded ceilings her old ‘penates’ might have a singular effect.” + </p> + <p> + “See how all things link together,” remarked Phellion, “and how, from the + summits of society, luxury infiltrates itself, sooner or later, through + the lower classes, leading to the ruin of empires.” + </p> + <p> + “You are broaching there, my dear commander,” said Minard, “one of the + most knotty questions of political economy. Many good minds think, on the + contrary, that luxury is absolutely demanded in the interests of commerce, + which is certainly the life of States. In any case, this view, which isn’t + yours, appears to have been that of Madame de Godollo, for, they tell me, + her apartment is very coquettishly furnished; and to coax Mademoiselle + Brigitte into the same path of elegance she made a proposal to her as + follows: ‘A friend of mine,’ she said, ‘a Russian princess for whom one of + the first upholsterers has just made splendid furniture, is suddenly + recalled to Russia by the czar, a gentleman with whom no one dares to + trifle. The poor woman is therefore obliged to turn everything she owns + here into money as fast as possible; and I feel sure she would sell this + furniture for ready money at a quarter of the price it cost her. All of it + is nearly new, and some things have never been used at all.’” + </p> + <p> + “So,” cried Madame Phellion, “all that magnificence displayed before our + eyes last night was a magnificent economical bargain?” + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” replied Minard; “and the thing that decided Mademoiselle + Brigitte to take that splendid chance was not so much the desire to renew + her shabby furniture as the idea of doing an excellent stroke of business. + In that old maid there’s always something of Madame la Ressource in + Moliere’s ‘Miser.’” + </p> + <p> + “I think, Monsieur le maire, that you are mistaken,” said Phellion. + “Madame la Ressource is a character in ‘Turcaret,’ a very immoral play by + the late Le Sage.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so?” said Minard. “Well, very likely. But what is certain is + that, though the barrister ingratiated himself with Brigitte in helping + her to buy the house, it was by this clever jockeying about the furniture + that the foreign countess got upon the footing with Brigitte that you now + see. You may have remarked, perhaps, that a struggle is going on between + those two influences; which we may designate as the house, and its + furniture.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly,” said Madame Phellion, with a beaming expression that + bore witness to the interest she took in the conversation, “it did seem to + me that the great lady allowed herself to contradict the barrister, and + did it, too, with a certain sharpness.” + </p> + <p> + “Very marked sharpness,” resumed Minard, “and that intriguing fellow + perceives it. It strikes me that the lady’s hostility makes him uneasy. + The Thuilliers he got cheaply; for, between ourselves you know, there’s + not much in Thuillier himself; but he feels now that he has met a tough + adversary, and he is looking anxiously for a weak spot on which to attack + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s justice,” said Madame Phellion. “For some time past that + man, who used to make himself so small and humble, has been taking airs of + authority in the house which are quite intolerable; he behaves openly as + the son-in-law; and you know very well, in that affair of Thuillier’s + election he jockeyed us all, and made us the stepping-stone for his + matrimonial ambition.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but I can assure you,” said Minard, “that at the present time his + influence is waning. In the first place, he won’t find every day for his + dear, good friend, as he calls him, a fine property worth a million to be + bought for a bit of bread.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they did get that house very cheap?” said Madame Phellion, + interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + “They got it for nothing, as the result of a dirty intrigue which the + lawyer Desroches related to me the other day. If it ever became known to + the council of the bar, that little barrister would be badly compromised. + The next thing is the coming election to the Chamber. Eating gives + appetite, as they say, and our good Thuillier is hungry; but he begins to + perceive that Monsieur de la Peyrade, when it becomes a question of + getting him that mouthful, hasn’t his former opportunity to make dupes of + us. That is why the family is turning more and more to Madame de Godollo, + who seems to have some very high acquaintances in the political world. + Besides all this, in fact, without dwelling on the election business, + which is still a distant matter, this Hungarian countess is becoming, + every day, more and more a necessity to Brigitte; for it must be owned + that without the help of the great lady, the poor soul would look in the + midst of her gilded salon like a ragged gown in a bride’s trousseau.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Monsieur le maire, you are cruel,” said Madame Phellion, affecting + compunction. + </p> + <p> + “No, but say,” returned Minard, “with your hand on your conscience, + whether Brigitte, whether Madame Thuillier could preside in such a salon? + No, it is the Hungarian countess who does it all. She furnished the rooms; + she selected the male domestic, whose excellent training and intelligence + you must have observed; it was she who arranged the menu of that dinner; + in short, she is the providence of the parvenu colony, which, without her + intervention, would have made the whole quarter laugh at it. And—now + this is a very noticeable thing—instead of being a parasite like la + Peyrade, this Hungarian lady, who seems to have a fortune of her own, + proves to be not only disinterested, but generous. The two gowns that you + saw Brigitte and Madame Thuillier wear last night were a present from her, + and it was because she came herself to superintend the toilet of our two + ‘amphitryonesses’ that you were so surprised last night not to find them + rigged in their usual dowdy fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “But what can be the motive,” asked Madame Phellion, “of this maternal and + devoted guardianship?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear wife,” said Phellion, solemnly, “the motives of human actions are + not always, thank God! selfishness and the consideration of vile + interests. There are hearts in this world that find pleasure in doing good + for its own sake. This lady may have seen in our good friends a set of + people about to enter blindly into a sphere they knew nothing about, and + having encouraged their first steps by the purchase of this furniture, she + may, like a nurse attached to her nursling, find pleasure in giving them + the milk of her social knowledge and her counsels.” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to keep aloof from our strictures, the dear husband!” cried + Minard; “but just see how he goes beyond them!” + </p> + <p> + “I!” said Phellion; “it is neither my intention nor my habit to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “All the same it would be difficult to say more neatly that the Thuilliers + are geese, and that Madame de Godollo is bringing them up by hand.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not accept for these friends of ours,” said Phellion, “a + characterization so derogatory to their repute. I meant to say that they + were lacking, perhaps, in that form of experience, and that this noble + lady has placed at their service her knowledge of the world and its + usages. I protest against any interpretation of my language which goes + beyond my thought thus limited.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, anyhow, you will agree, my dear commander, that in the idea of + giving Celeste to this la Peyrade, there is something more than want of + experience; there is, it must be said, blundering folly and immorality; + for really the goings on of that barrister with Madame Colleville—” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur le maire,” interrupted Phellion, with redoubled solemnity, + “Solon, the law-giver, decreed no punishment for parricide, declaring it + to be an impossible crime. I think the same thing may be said of the + offence to which you seem to make allusion. Madame Colleville granting + favors to Monsieur de la Peyrade, and all the while intending to give him + her daughter? No, monsieur, no! that passes imagination. Questioned on + this subject, like Marie Antoinette, by a human tribunal, Madame + Colleville would answer with the queen, ‘I appeal to all mothers.’” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, my friend,” said Madame Phellion, “allow me to remind you + that Madame Colleville is excessively light-minded, and has given, as we + al know, pretty good proofs of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, my dear,” said Phellion. “The dinner hour summons us; I think + that, little by little, we have allowed this conversation to drift toward + the miry slough of backbiting.” + </p> + <p> + “You are full of illusions, my dear commander,” said Minard, taking + Phellion by the hand and shaking it; “but they are honorable illusions, + and I envy them. Madame, I have the honor—” added the mayor, with a + respectful bow to Madame Phellion. + </p> + <p> + And each party took its way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE PROVENCAL’S PRESENT POSITION + </h2> + <p> + The information acquired by the mayor of the 11th arrondissement was by no + means incorrect. In the Thuillier salon, since the emigration to the + Madeleine quarter, might be seen daily, between the tart Brigitte and the + plaintive Madame Thuillier, the graceful and attractive figure of a woman + who conveyed to this salon an appearance of the most unexpected elegance. + It was quite true that through the good offices of this lady, who had + become her tenant in the new house, Brigitte had made a speculation in + furniture not less advantageous in its way, but more avowable, than the + very shady purchase of the house itself. For six thousand francs in ready + money she had obtained furniture lately from workshops representing a + value of at least thirty thousand. + </p> + <p> + It was still further true that in consequence of a service which went deep + into her heart, Brigitte was showing to the beautiful foreign countess the + respectful deference which the bourgeoisie, in spite of its sulky + jealousy, is much less indisposed to give to titles of nobility and high + positions in the social hierarchy than people think. As this Hungarian + countess was a woman of great tact and accomplished training, in taking + the direction which she had thought it wise to assume over the affairs of + her proteges, she had been careful to guard her influence from all + appearance of meddlesome and imperious dictation. On the contrary, she + flattered Brigitte’s claim to be a model housekeeper; in her own household + expenses she affected to ask the spinster’s advice; so that by reserving + to herself the department of luxurious expenses, she had more the air of + giving information than of exercising supervision. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade could not disguise from himself that a change was taking place. + His influence was evidently waning before that of this stranger; but the + antagonism of the countess was not confined to a simple struggle for + influence. She made no secret of being opposed to his suit for Celeste; + she gave her unequivocal approval to the love of Felix Phellion, the + professor. Minard, by whom this fact was not unobserved, took very good + care, in the midst of his other information, not to mention it to those + whom it most concerned. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was all the more anxious at being thus undermined by a + hostility the cause of which was inexplicable to him, because he knew he + had himself to blame for bringing this disquieting adversary into the very + heart of his citadel. His first mistake was in yielding to the barren + pleasure of disappointing Cerizet in the lease of the house. If Brigitte + by his advice and urging had not taken the administration of the property + into her own hands there was every probability that she would never have + made the acquaintance of Madame de Godollo. Another imprudence had been to + urge the Thuilliers to leave their old home in the Latin quarter. + </p> + <p> + At this period, when his power and credit had reached their apogee, + Theodose considered his marriage a settled thing; and he now felt an + almost childish haste to spring into the sphere of elegance which seemed + henceforth to be his future. He had therefore furthered the inducements of + the countess, feeling that he thus sent the Thuilliers before him to make + his bed in the splendid apartment he intended to share with them. By thus + removing them from their old home he saw another advantage,—that of + withdrawing Celeste from daily intercourse with a rival who seemed to him + dangerous. Deprived of the advantage of propinquity, Felix would be forced + to make his visits farther apart; and therefore there would be greater + facilities to ruin him in the girl’s heart, where he was installed on + condition of giving religious satisfaction,—a requirement to which + he showed himself refractory. + </p> + <p> + But in all these plans and schemes various drawbacks confronted him. To + enlarge the horizon of the Thuilliers was for la Peyrade to run the chance + of creating competition for the confidence and admiration of which he had + been till then the exclusive object. In the sort of provincial life they + had hitherto lived, Brigitte and his dear, good friend placed him, for + want of comparison, at a height from which the juxtaposition of other + superiorities and elegances must bring him down. So, then, apart from the + blows covertly dealt him by Madame de Godollo, the idea of the + transpontine emigration had proved to be, on the whole, a bad one. + </p> + <p> + The Collevilles had followed their friends the Thuilliers, to the new + house near the Madeleine, where an entresol at the back had been conceded + to them at a price conformable to their budget. But Colleville declared it + lacked light and air, and being obliged to go daily from the boulevard of + the Madeleine to the faubourg Saint-Jacques, where his office was, he + fumed against the arrangement of which he was the victim, and felt at + times that la Peyrade was a tyrant. Madame Colleville, on the other hand, + had flung herself into an alarming orgy of bonnets, mantles, and new + gowns, requiring the presentation of a mass of bills, which led not + infrequently to scenes in the household which were more or less stormy. As + for Celeste, she had undoubtedly fewer opportunities to see young + Phellion, but she had also fewer chances to rush into religious + controversy; and absence, which is dangerous to none but inferior + attachments, made her think more tenderly and less theologically of the + man of her dreams. + </p> + <p> + But all these false calculations of Theodose were as nothing in the + balance with another cause for his diminishing influence which was now to + weigh heavily on his situation. + </p> + <p> + He had assured Thuillier that, after a short delay and the payment of ten + thousand francs, to which his dear, good friend submitted with tolerable + grace, the cross of the Legion of honor would arrive to realize the secret + desire of all his life. Two months had now passed without a sign of that + glorious rattle; and the former sub-director, who would have felt such joy + in parading his red ribbon on the boulevard of the Madeleine, of which he + was now one of the most assiduous promenaders, had nothing to adorn his + buttonhole but the flowers of the earth, the privilege of everybody,—of + which he was far less proud than Beranger. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade had, to be sure, mentioned an unforeseen and inexplicable + difficulty by which all the efforts of the Comtesse du Bruel had been + paralyzed; but Thuillier did not take comfort in the explanation; and on + certain days, when the disappointment became acute, he was very near + saying with Chicaneau in Les Plaideurs, “Return my money.” + </p> + <p> + However, no outbreak happened, for la Peyrade held him in leash by the + famous pamphlet on “Taxation and the Sliding-Scale”; the conclusion of + which had been suspended during the excitement of the moving; for during + that agitating period Thuillier had been unable to give proper care to the + correction of proofs, about which, we may remember, he had reserved the + right of punctilious examination. La Peyrade had now reached a point when + he was forced to see that, in order to restore his influence, which was + daily evaporating, he must strike some grand blow; and it was precisely + this nagging and vexatious fancy about the proofs that the barrister + decided to take as the starting-point of a scheme, both deep and + adventurous, which came into his mind. + </p> + <p> + One day, when the pair were engaged on the sheets of the pamphlet, a + discussion arose upon the word “nepotism,” which Thuillier wished to + eliminate from one of la Peyrade’s sentences, declaring that never had he + met with it anywhere; it was pure neologism—which, to the literary + notions of the bourgeoisie, is equivalent to the idea of 1793 and the + Terror. + </p> + <p> + Generally la Peyrade took the ridiculous remarks of his dear, good friend + pretty patiently; but on this occasion he made himself exceedingly + excited, and signified to Thuillier that he might terminate himself a work + to which he applied such luminous and intelligent criticism; after which + remark he departed and was not seen again for several days. + </p> + <p> + At first Thuillier supposed this outbreak to be a mere passing effect of + ill-humor; but when la Peyrade’s absence grew prolonged he felt the + necessity of taking some conciliatory step, and accordingly he went to see + the barrister, intending to make honorable amends and so put an end to his + sulkiness. Wishing, however, to give this advance an air which allowed an + honest issue to his own self-love, he entered la Peyrade’s room with an + easy manner, and said, cheerfully:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear fellow, it turns out that we were both right: ‘nepotism’ + means the authority that the nephews of popes take in public affairs. I + have searched the dictionary and it gives no other explanation; but, from + what Phellion tells me, I find that in the political vocabulary the + meaning of the word has been extended to cover the influence which corrupt + ministers permit certain persons to exercise illegally. I think, + therefore, that we may retain the expression, though it is certainly not + taken in that sense by Napoleon Landais.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade, who, in receiving his visitor, had affected to be extremely + busy in sorting his papers, contented himself by shrugging his shoulders + and saying nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Thuillier, “have you got the last proofs? We ought to be + getting on.” + </p> + <p> + “If you have sent nothing to the printing-office,” replied la Peyrade, “of + course there are no proofs. I myself haven’t touched the manuscript.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear Theodose,” said Thuillier, “it isn’t possible that for such + a trifle you are affronted. I don’t pretend to be a writer, only as my + name is on the book I have, I think, the right to my opinion about a + word.” + </p> + <p> + “But ‘Mossie’ Phellion,” replied Theodose, “is a writer; and inasmuch as + you have consulted him, I don’t see why you can’t engage him to finish the + work in which, for my part, I have resolved not to co-operate any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! what temper!” cried Thuillier; “here you are furious just + because I seemed to question a word and then consulted some one. You know + very well that I have read passages to Phellion, Colleville, Minard, and + Barniol as if the work were mine, in order to see the effect it would + produce upon the public; but that’s no reason why I should be willing to + give my name to the things they are capable of writing. Do you wish me to + give you a proof of the confidence I have in you? Madame la Comtesse de + Godollo, to whom I read a few pages last night, told me that the pamphlet + was likely to get me into trouble with the authorities; but I wouldn’t + allow what she said to have any influence upon me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “I think that the oracle of the family sees the + matter clearly; and I’ve no desire to bring your head to the scaffold.” + </p> + <p> + “All that is nonsense,” said Thuillier. “Have you, or have you not, an + intention to leave me in the lurch?” + </p> + <p> + “Literary questions make more quarrels among friends than political + questions,” replied Theodose. “I wish to put an end to these discussions + between us.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear Theodose, never have I assumed to be a literary man. I think + I have sound common-sense, and I say out my ideas; you can’t be angry at + that; and if you play me this trick, and refuse to collaborate any longer, + it is because you have some other grudge against me that I know nothing + about.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see why you call it a trick. There’s nothing easier for you than + not to write a pamphlet; you’ll simply be Jerome Thuillier, as before.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet it was you yourself who declared that this publication would help + my election; besides, I repeat, I have read passages to all our friends, I + have announced the matter in the municipal council, and if the work were + not to appear I should be dishonored; people would be sure to say the + government had bought me up.” + </p> + <p> + “You have only to say that you are the friend of Phellion, the + incorruptible; that will clear you. You might even give Celeste to his + booby of a son; that alliance would certainly protect you from all + suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “Theodose,” said Thuillier, “there is something in your mind that you + don’t tell me. It is not natural that for a simple quarrel about a word + you should wish to lose a friend like me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes, there is,” replied la Peyrade, with the air of a man who makes + up his mind to speak out. “I don’t like ingratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I either; I don’t like it,” said Thuillier, hotly; “and if you accuse + me of so base an action, I summon you to explain yourself. We must get out + of these hints and innuendoes. What do you complain of? What have you + against a man whom only a few days ago you called your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing and everything,” replied la Peyrade. “You and your sister are + much too clever to break openly with a man who, at the risk of his + reputation, has put a million in your hands. But I am not so simple that I + don’t know how to detect changes. There are people about you who have set + themselves, in an underhand way, to destroy me; and Brigitte has only one + thought, and that is, how to find a decent way of not keeping her + promises. Men like me don’t wait till their claims are openly protested, + and I certainly do not intend to impose myself on any family; still, I was + far, I acknowledge, from expecting such treatment.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said Thuillier, kindly, seeing in the barrister’s eye the + glint of a tear of which he was completely the dupe, “I don’t know what + Brigitte may have been doing to you, but one thing is very certain: I have + never ceased to be your most devoted friend.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said la Peyrade, “since that mishap about the cross I am only good, + as the saying is, to throw to the dogs. How could I have struggled against + secret influences? Possibly it is that pamphlet, about which you have + talked a great deal too much, that has hindered your appointment. The + ministers are so stupid! They would rather wait and have their hand forced + by the fame of the publication than do the thing with a good grace as the + reward of your services. But these are political mysteries which would + never enter your sister’s mind.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” cried Thuillier. “I think I’ve got a pretty observing eye, + and yet I can’t see the slightest change in Brigitte toward you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” said la Peyrade, “your eyesight is so good that you have never + seen perpetually beside her that Madame de Godollo, whom she now thinks + she can’t live without.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” said Thuillier, slyly, “so it is a little jealousy, is it, in + our mind?” + </p> + <p> + “Jealousy!” retorted la Peyrade. “I don’t know if that’s the right word, + but certainly your sister—whose mind is nothing above the ordinary, + and to whom I am surprised that a man of your intellectual superiority + allows a supremacy in your household which she uses and abuses—” + </p> + <p> + “How can I help it, my dear fellow,” interrupted Thuillier, sucking in the + compliment; “she is so absolutely devoted to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I admit the weakness, but, I repeat, your sister doesn’t fit into your + groove. Well, I say that when a man of the value which you are good enough + to recognize in me, does her the honor to consult her and devote himself + to her as I have done, it can hardly be agreeable to him to find himself + supplanted by a woman who comes from nobody knows where—and all + because of a few trumpery chairs and tables she has helped her to buy!” + </p> + <p> + “With women, as you know very well,” replied Thuillier, “household affairs + have the first place.” + </p> + <p> + “And Brigitte, who wants a finger in everything, also assumes to carry + matters with a high hand in affairs of the heart. As you are so + extraordinarily clear-sighted you ought to have seen that in Brigitte’s + mind nothing is less certain than my marriage with Mademoiselle + Colleville; and yet my love has been solemnly authorized by you.” + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious!” cried Thuillier, “I’d like to see any one attempt to + meddle with my arrangements!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, without speaking of Brigitte, I can tell you of another person,” + said Theodose, “who is doing that very thing; and that person is + Mademoiselle Celeste herself. In spite of their quarrels about religion, + her mind is none the less full of that little Phellion.” + </p> + <p> + “But why don’t you tell Flavie to put a stop to it?” + </p> + <p> + “No one knows Flavie, my dear Thuillier, better than you. She is a woman + rather than a mother. I have found it necessary to do a little bit of + courting to her myself, and, you understand, while she is willing for this + marriage she doesn’t desire it very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Thuillier, “I’ll undertake to speak to Celeste myself. It + shall never be said that a slip of a girl lays down the law to me.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s exactly what I don’t want you to do,” cried la Peyrade. “Don’t + meddle in all this. Outside of your relations to your sister you have an + iron will, and I will never have it said that you exerted your authority + to put Celeste in my arms; on the contrary, I desire that the child may + have complete control over her own heart. The only thing I request is that + she shall decide positively between Felix Phellion and myself; because I + do not choose to remain any longer in this doubtful position. It is true + we agreed that the marriage should only take place after you became a + deputy; but I feel now that it is impossible to allow the greatest event + of my life to remain at the mercy of doubtful circumstances. And, besides, + such an arrangement, though at first agreed upon, seems to me now to have + a flavor of a bargain which is unbecoming to both of us. I think I had + better make you a confidence, to which I am led by the unpleasant state of + things now between us. Dutocq may have told you, before you left the + apartment in the rue Saint-Dominique, that an heiress had been offered to + me whose immediate fortune is larger than that which Mademoiselle + Colleville will eventually inherit. I refused, because I have had the + folly to let my heart be won, and because an alliance with a family as + honorable as yours seemed to me more desirable; but, after all, it is as + well to let Brigitte know that if Celeste refuses me, I am not absolutely + turned out into the cold.” + </p> + <p> + “I can easily believe that,” said Thuillier; “but as for putting the whole + decision into the hands of that little girl, especially if she has, as you + tell me, a fancy for Felix—” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t help it,” said the barrister. “I must, at any price, get out of + this position; it is no longer tenable. You talk about your pamphlet; I am + not in a fit condition to finish it. You, who have been a man of + gallantry, you must know the dominion that women, fatal creatures! + exercise over our whole being.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah!” said Thuillier, conceitedly, “they cared for me, but I did not + often care for them; I took them, and left them, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I, with my Southern nature, love passionately; and Celeste has + other attractions besides fortune. Brought up in your household, under + your own eye, you have made her adorable. Only, I must say, you have shown + great weakness in letting that young fellow, who does not suit her in any + respect, get such hold upon her fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right; but the thing began in a childish friendship; she + and Felix played together. You came much later; and it is a proof of the + great esteem in which we hold you, that when you made your offer we + renounced our earlier projects.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> did, yes,” said la Peyrade, “and with some literary manias—which, + after all, are frequently full of sense and wit—you have a heart of + gold; with you friendship is a sure thing, and you know what you mean. But + Brigitte is another matter; you’ll see, when you propose to her to hasten + the marriage, what a resistance she will make.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t agree with you. I think that Brigitte has always wanted you and + still wants you for son-in-law—if I may so express myself. But + whether she does or not, I beg you to believe that in all important + matters I know how to have my will obeyed. Only, let us come now to a + distinct understanding of what you wish; then we can start with the right + foot foremost, and you’ll see that all will go well.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” replied la Peyrade, “to put the last touches to your pamphlet; + for, above all things, I think of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Thuillier, “we ought not to sink in port.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, in consequence of the feeling that I am oppressed, stultified by + the prospect of a marriage still so doubtful, I am certain that not a page + of manuscript could be got out of me in any form, until the question is + settled.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said Thuillier; “then how do you present that question?” + </p> + <p> + “Naturally, if Celeste’s decision be against me, I should wish an + immediate solution. If I am condemned to make a marriage of convenience I + ought to lose no time in taking the opportunity I mentioned to you.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it; but what time do you intend to allow us?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think that in fifteen days a girl might be able to make up her + mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly,” replied Thuillier; “but it is very repugnant to me to let + Celeste decide without appeal.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part, I will take that risk; in any case, I shall be rid of + uncertainty; and that is really my first object. Between ourselves, I am + not risking as much as you think. It will take more than fifteen days for + a son of Phellion, in other words, obstinacy incarnate in silliness, to + have done with philosophical hesitations; and it is very certain that + Celeste will not accept him for a husband unless he gives her some proofs + of conversion.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s probable. But suppose Celeste tries to dawdle; suppose she refuses + to accept the alternative?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s your affair,” said the Provencal. “I don’t know how you regard the + family in Paris; I only know that in my part of the country it is an + unheard-of thing that a girl should have such liberty. If you, your sister + (supposing she plays fair in the matter), and the father and mother can’t + succeed in making a girl whom you dower agree to so simple a thing as to + make a perfectly free choice between two suitors, then good-bye to you! + You’ll have to write upon your gate-post that Celeste is queen and + sovereign of the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we haven’t got to that point yet,” said Thuillier, with a capable + air. + </p> + <p> + “As for you, my old fellow,” resumed la Peyrade, “I must postpone our + business until after Celeste’s decision. Be that in my favor or not, I + will then go to work, and in three days the pamphlet can be finished.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Thuillier, “I know what you have had on your mind. I’ll talk + about it with Brigitte.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a sad conclusion,” said la Peyrade; “but, unhappily, so it is.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather, as you can easily imagine, hear you say of yourself that + the thing shall be done; but old habits can’t be broken up.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca! do you think I’m a man without any will, any initiative of my + own?” + </p> + <p> + “No! but I’d like to be hidden in a corner and hear how you will open the + subject with your sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! I shall open it frankly. I WILL, very firmly said, shall meet + every one of her objections.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my poor fellow!” said la Peyrade, clapping him on the shoulder, “from + Chrysale down how often have we seen brave warriors lowering their penants + before the wills of women accustomed to master them!” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll see about <i>that</i>,” replied Thuillier, making a theatrical + exit. + </p> + <p> + The eager desire to publish his pamphlet, and the clever doubt thrown upon + the strength of his will had made him furious,—an actual tiger; and + he went away resolved, in case of opposition, to reduce his household, as + the saying is, by fire and sword. + </p> + <p> + When he reached home Thuillier instantly laid the question before + Brigitte. She, with her crude good sense and egotism, pointed out to him + that by thus hastening the period formerly agreed upon for the marriage, + they committed the blunder of disarming themselves; they could not be sure + that when the election took place la Peyrade would put the same zeal into + preparing for it. “It might be,” said the old maid, “just as it has been + about the cross.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s this difference,” said Thuillier; “the cross doesn’t depend + directly upon la Peyrade, whereas the influence he exerts in the 12th + arrondissement he can employ as he will.” + </p> + <p> + “And suppose he willed, after we have feathered his nest,” said Brigitte, + “to work his influence for his own election? He is very ambitious, you + know.” + </p> + <p> + This danger did not fail to strike the mind of the future legislator, who + thought, however, that he might feel some security in the honor and + morality of la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “A man’s honor can’t be very delicate,” returned Brigitte, “when he tries + to get out of a bargain; and this fashion of dangling a bit of sugar + before us about getting your pamphlet finished, doesn’t please me at all. + Can’t you get Phellion to help you, and do without Theodose? Or, I dare + say, Madame de Godollo, who knows everybody in politics, could find you a + journalist—they say there are plenty of them out at elbows; a couple + of hundred francs would do the thing.” + </p> + <p> + “But the secret would get into the papers,” said Thuillier. “No, I must + absolutely have Theodose; he knows that, and he makes these conditions. + After all, we did promise him Celeste, and it is only fulfilling the + promise a year earlier—what am I saying?—a few months, a few + weeks, possibly; for the king may dissolve the Chamber before any one + expects it.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose Celeste won’t have him?” objected Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste! Celeste, indeed!” ejaculated Thuillier; “she <i>must</i> have + whomsoever we choose. We ought to have thought of that when we made the + engagement with la Peyrade; our word is passed now, you know. Besides, if + the child is allowed to choose between la Peyrade and Phellion—” + </p> + <p> + “So you really think,” said the sceptical old maid, “that if Celeste + decides for Phellion you can still count on la Peyrade’s devotion?” + </p> + <p> + “What else can I do? Those are his conditions. Besides, the fellow has + calculated the whole thing; he knows very well that Felix will never bring + himself in two weeks to please Celeste by going to confession, and unless + he does, that little monkey will never accept him for a husband. La + Peyrade’s game is very clever.” + </p> + <p> + “Too clever,” said Brigitte. “Well, settle the matter as you choose; I + shall not meddle; all this manoeuvring is not to my taste.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier went to see Madame Colleville, and intimated to her that she + must inform Celeste of the designs upon her. + </p> + <p> + Celeste had never been officially authorized to indulge her sentiment for + Felix Phellion. Flavie, on the contrary, had once expressly forbidden her + to encourage the hopes of the young professor; but as, on the part of + Madame Thuillier, her godmother and her confidant, she knew she was + sustained in her inclination, she had let herself gently follow it without + thinking very seriously of the obstacles her choice might encounter. When, + therefore, she was ordered to choose at once between Felix and la Peyrade, + the simple-hearted girl was at first only struck by the advantages of one + half of the alternative, and she fancied she did herself a great service + by agreeing to an arrangement which made her the mistress of her own + choice and allowed her to bestow it as her heart desired. + </p> + <p> + But la Peyrade was not mistaken in his calculation when he reckoned that + the religious intolerance of the young girl on one side, and the + philosophical inflexibility of Phellion’s son on the other, would create + an invincible obstacle to their coming together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. GOOD BLOOD CANNOT LIE + </h2> + <p> + The evening of the day on which Flavie had communicated to Celeste the + sovereign orders of Thuillier, the Phellions called to spend the evening + with Brigitte, and a very sharp engagement took place between the two + young people. Mademoiselle Colleville did not need to be told by her + mother that it would be extremely unbecoming if she allowed Felix to know + of the conditional approval that was granted to their sentiments. Celeste + had too much delicacy, and too much real religious feeling to wish to + obtain the conversion of the man she loved on any other ground than that + of his conviction. Their evening was therefore passed in theological + debate; but love is so strange a Proteus, and takes so many and such + various forms, that though it appeared on this occasion in a black gown + and a mob cap, it was not at all as ungraceful and displeasing as might + have been imagined. But Phellion junior was in this encounter, the + solemnity of which he little knew, unlucky and blundering to the last + degree. Not only did he concede nothing, but he took a tone of airy and + ironical discussion, and ended by putting poor Celeste so beside herself + that she finally declared an open rupture and forbade him to appear in her + presence again. + </p> + <p> + It was just the case for a lover more experienced than the young savant to + reappear the very next day, for young hearts are never so near to + understanding each other as when they have just declared the necessity of + eternal separation. But this law is not one of logarithms, and Felix + Phellion, being incapable of guessing it, thought himself positively and + finally banished; so much so, that during the fifteen days granted to the + poor girl to deliberate (as says the Code in the matter of beneficiary + bequests), although he was expected day by day, and from minute to minute + by Celeste, who gave no more thought to la Peyrade than if he had nothing + to do with the question, the deplorably stupid youth did not have the most + distant idea of breaking his ban. + </p> + <p> + Luckily for this hopeless lover, a beneficent fairy was watching over him, + and the evening before the day on which the young girl was to make her + decision the following affair took place. + </p> + <p> + It was Sunday, the day on which the Thuilliers still kept up their weekly + receptions. + </p> + <p> + Madame Phellion, convinced that the housekeeping leakage, vulgarly called + “the basket dance,” was the ruin of the best-regulated households, was in + the habit of going in person to her tradespeople. From time immemorial in + the Phellion establishment, Sunday was the day of the “pot-au-feu,” and + the wife of the great citizen, in that intentionally dowdy costume in + which good housekeepers bundle themselves when they go to market, was + prosaically returning from a visit to the butcher, followed by her cook + and the basket, in which lay a magnificent cut of the loin of beef. Twice + had she rung her own doorbell, and terrible was the storm gathering on the + head of the foot-boy, who by his slowness in opening the door was putting + his mistress in a situation less tolerable than that of Louis XIV., who + had only <i>almost</i> waited. In her feverish impatience Madame Phellion + had just given the bell a third and ferocious reverberation, when, judge + of her confusion, a little coupe drew up with much clatter at the door of + her house, and a lady descended, whom she recognized, at this untimely + hour, as the elegant Comtesse Torna de Godollo! + </p> + <p> + Turning a purplish scarlet, the unfortunate bourgeoise lost her head, and, + floundering in excuses, she was about to complicate the position by some + signal piece of awkwardness, when, happily for her, Phellion, attracted by + the noise of the bell, and attired in a dressing-gown and Greek cap, came + out of his study to inquire what was the matter. After a speech, the + pompous charm of which did much to compensate for his dishabille, the + great citizen, with the serenity that never abandoned him, offered his + hand very gallantly to the lady, and having installed her in the salon, + said:— + </p> + <p> + “May I, without indiscretion, ask Madame la comtesse what has procured for + us the unhoped-for advantage of this visit?” + </p> + <p> + “I have come,” said the lady, “to talk with Madame Phellion on a matter + which must deeply interest her. I have no other way of meeting her without + witnesses; and therefore, though I am hardly known to Madame Phellion, I + have taken the liberty to call upon her here.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame, your visit is a great honor to this poor dwelling. But where is + Madame Phellion?” added the worthy man, impatiently, going towards the + door. + </p> + <p> + “No, I beg of you, don’t disturb her,” said the countess; “I have + heedlessly come at a moment when she is busy with household cares. + Brigitte has been my educator in such matters, and I know the respect we + ought to pay to good housekeepers. Besides, I have the pleasure of your + presence, which I scarcely expected.” + </p> + <p> + Before Phellion could reply to these obliging words, Madame Phellion + appeared. A cap with ribbons had taken the place of the market bonnet, and + a large shawl covered the other insufficiencies of the morning toilet. + When his wife arrived, the great citizen made as though he would + discreetly retire. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Phellion,” said the countess, “you are not one too many in the + conference I desire with madame; on the contrary, your excellent judgment + will be most useful in throwing light upon a matter as interesting to you + as to your wife. I allude to the marriage of your son.” + </p> + <p> + “The marriage of my son!” cried Madame Phellion, with a look of + astonishment; “but I am not aware that anything of the kind is at present + in prospect.” + </p> + <p> + “The marriage of Monsieur Felix with Mademoiselle Celeste is, I think, one + of your strongest desires—” + </p> + <p> + “But we have never,” said Phellion, “taken any overt steps for that + object.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that only too well,” replied the countess; “on the contrary, every + one in your family seems to study how to defeat my efforts in that + direction. However, one thing is clear in spite of the reserve, and, you + must allow me to say so, the clumsiness in which the affair has been + managed, and that is that the young people love each other, and they will + both be unhappy if they do not marry. Now, to prevent this catastrophe is + the object with which I have come here this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot, madame, be otherwise than deeply sensible of the interest you + are so good as to show in the happiness of our son,” said Phellion; “but, + in truth, this interest—” + </p> + <p> + “Is something so inexplicable,” interrupted the countess, “that you feel a + distrust of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! madame!” said Phellion, bowing with an air of respectful dissent. + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued the lady, “the explanation of my proceeding is very + simple. I have studied Celeste, and in that dear and artless child I find + a moral weight and value which would make me grieve to see her + sacrificed.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, madame,” said Madame Phellion. “Celeste is, indeed, an + angel of sweetness.” + </p> + <p> + “As for monsieur Felix, I venture to interest myself because, in the first + place, he is the son of so virtuous a father—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, madame! I entreat—” said Phellion, bowing again. + </p> + <p> + “—and he also attracts me by the awkwardness of true love, which + appears in all his actions and all his words. We mature women find an + inexpressible charm in seeing the tender passion under a form which + threatens us with no deceptions and no misunderstandings.” + </p> + <p> + “My son is certainly not brilliant,” said Madame Phellion, with a faint + tone of sharpness; “he is not a fashionable young man.” + </p> + <p> + “But he has the qualities that are most essential,” replied the countess, + “and a merit which ignores itself,—a thing of the utmost consequence + in all intellectual superiority—” + </p> + <p> + “Really, madame,” said Phellion, “you force us to hear things that—” + </p> + <p> + “That are not beyond the truth,” interrupted the countess. “Another reason + which leads me to take a deep interest in the happiness of these young + people is that I am not so desirous for that of Monsieur Theodose de la + Peyrade, who is false and grasping. On the ruin of their hopes that man is + counting to carry out his swindling purposes.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite certain,” said Phellion, “that there are dark depths in + Monsieur de la Peyrade where light does not penetrate.” + </p> + <p> + “And as I myself had the misfortune to marry a man of his description, the + thought of the wretchedness to which Celeste would be condemned by so + fatal a connection, impels me, in the hope of saving her, to the + charitable effort which now, I trust, has ceased to surprise you.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said Phellion, “we do not need the conclusive explanations by + which you illumine your conduct; but as to the faults on our part, which + have thwarted your generous efforts, I must declare that in order to avoid + committing them in future, it seems to me not a little desirable that you + should plainly indicate them.” + </p> + <p> + “How long is it,” asked the countess, “since any of your family have paid + a visit to the Thuilliers’?” + </p> + <p> + “If my memory serves me,” said Phellion, “I think we were all there the + Sunday after the dinner for the house-warming.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifteen whole days of absence!” exclaimed the countess; “and you think + that nothing of importance could happen in fifteen days?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed! did not three glorious days in July, 1830, cast down a + perjured dynasty and found the noble order of things under which we now + live?” + </p> + <p> + “You see it yourself!” said the countess. “Now, tell me, during that + evening, fifteen days ago, did nothing serious take place between your son + and Celeste?” + </p> + <p> + “Something did occur,” replied Phellion,—“a very disagreeable + conversation on the subject of my son’s religious opinions; it must be + owned that our good Celeste, who in all other respects has a charming + nature, is a trifle fanatic in the matter of piety.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree to that,” said the countess; “but she was brought up by the + mother whom you know; she was never shown the face of true piety; she saw + only the mimicry of it. Repentant Magdalens of the Madame Colleville + species always assume an air of wishing to retire to a desert with their + death’s-head and crossed bones. They think they can’t get salvation at a + cheaper rate. But after all, what did Celeste ask of Monsieur Felix? + Merely that he would read ‘The Imitation of Christ.’” + </p> + <p> + “He has read it, madame,” said Phellion, “and he thinks it a book + extremely well written; but his convictions—and that is a misfortune—have + not been affected by the perusal.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think he shows much cleverness in not assuring his mistress of + some little change in his inflexible convictions?” + </p> + <p> + “My son, madame, has never received from me the slightest lesson in + cleverness; loyalty, uprightness, those are the principles I have + endeavored to inculcate in him.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, monsieur, that there is no want of loyalty when, in + dealing with a troubled mind, we endeavor to avoid wounding it. But let us + agree that Monsieur Felix owed it to himself to be that iron door against + which poor Celeste’s applications beat in vain; was that a reason for + keeping away from her and sulking in his tent for fifteen whole days? + Above all, ought he to have capped these sulks by a proceeding which I + can’t forgive, and which—only just made known to us—has struck + the girl’s heart with despair, and also with a feeling of extreme + irritation?” + </p> + <p> + “My son capable of any such act! it is quite impossible, madame!” cried + Phellion. “I know nothing of this proceeding; but I do not hesitate to + affirm that you have been ill-informed.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, nothing is more certain. Young Colleville, who came home to-day + for his half-holiday, has just told us that Monsieur Felix, who had + previously gone with the utmost punctuality to hear him recite has ceased + entirely to have anything to do with him. Unless your son is ill, I do not + hesitate to say that this neglect is the greatest of blunders, in the + situation in which he now stands with the sister he ought not to have + chosen this moment to put an end to these lessons.” + </p> + <p> + The Phellions looked at each other as if consulting how to reply. + </p> + <p> + “My son,” said Madame Phellion, “is not exactly ill; but since you mention + a fact which is, I acknowledge, very strange and quite out of keeping with + his nature and habits, I think it right to tell you that from the day when + Celeste seemed to signify that all was at an end between them, a very + extraordinary change has come over Felix, which is causing Monsieur + Phellion and myself the deepest anxiety.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madame,” said Phellion, “the young man is certainly not in his + normal condition.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is the matter with him?” asked the countess, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “The night of that scene with Celeste,” replied Phellion, “after his + return home, he wept a flood of hot tears on his mother’s bosom, and gave + us to understand that the happiness of his whole life was at an end.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Madame de Godollo, “nothing very serious happened; but + lovers always make the worst of things.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” said Madame Phellion; “but since that night Felix has not made + the slightest allusion to his misfortune, and the next day he went back to + his work with a sort of frenzy. Does that seem natural to you?” + </p> + <p> + “It is capable of explanation; work is said to be a great consoler.” + </p> + <p> + “That is most true,” said Phellion; “but in Felix’s whole personality + there is something excited, and yet repressed, which is difficult to + describe. You speak to him, and he hardly seems to hear you; he sits down + to table and forgets to eat, or takes his food with an absent-mindedness + which the medical faculty consider most injurious to the process of + digestion; his duties, his regular occupations, we have to remind him of—him, + so extremely regular, so punctual! The other day, when he was at the + Observatory, where he now spends all his evenings, only coming home in the + small hours, I took it upon myself to enter his room and examine his + papers. I was terrified, madame, at finding a paper covered with algebraic + calculations which, by their vast extent appeared to me to go beyond the + limits of the human intellect.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said the countess, “he is on the road to some great discovery.” + </p> + <p> + “Or to madness,” said Madame Phellion, in a low voice, and with a heavy + sigh. + </p> + <p> + “That is not probable,” said Madame de Godollo; “with an organization so + calm and a mind so well balanced, he runs but little danger of that + misfortune. I know myself of another danger that threatens him to-morrow, + and unless we can take some steps this evening to avert it, Celeste is + positively lost to him.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” said the husband and wife together. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are not aware,” replied the countess, “that Thuillier and his + sister have made certain promises to Monsieur de la Peyrade about + Celeste?” + </p> + <p> + “We suspected as much,” replied Madame Phellion. + </p> + <p> + “The fulfilment of these pledges was postponed to a rather distant period, + and subordinated to certain conditions. Monsieur de la Peyrade, after + enabling them to buy the house near the Madeleine, pledged himself not + only to obtain the cross for Monsieur Thuillier, but to write in his name + a political pamphlet, and assist him in his election to the Chamber of + Deputies. It sounds like the romances of chivalry, in which the hero, + before obtaining the hand of the princess, is compelled to exterminate a + dragon.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame is very witty,” said Madame Phellion, looking at her husband, who + made her a sign not to interrupt. + </p> + <p> + “I have no time now,” said the countess; “in fact it would be useless to + tell you the manoeuvres by which Monsieur de la Peyrade has contrived to + hasten the period of this marriage; but it concerns you to know that, + thanks to his duplicity, Celeste is being forced to choose between him and + Monsieur Felix; fifteen days were given her in which to make her choice; + the time expires to-morrow, and, thanks to the unfortunate state of + feeling into which your son’s attitude has thrown her, there is very + serious danger of seeing her sacrifice to her wounded feelings the better + sentiments of her love and her instincts.” + </p> + <p> + “But what can be done to prevent it?” asked Phellion. + </p> + <p> + “Fight, monsieur; come this evening in force to the Thuilliers’; induce + Monsieur Felix to accompany you; lecture him until he promises to be a + little more flexible in his philosophical opinions. Paris, said Henri IV., + is surely worth a mass. But let him avoid all such questions; he can + certainly find in his heart the words and tones to move a woman who loves + him; it requires so little to satisfy her! I shall be there myself, and I + will help him to my utmost ability; perhaps, under the inspiration of the + moment, I may think of some way to do effectually. One thing is very + certain: we have to fight a great battle to-night, and if we do not ALL do + our duty valorously, la Peyrade may win it.” + </p> + <p> + “My son is not here, madame,” said Phellion, “and I regret it, for perhaps + your generous devotion and urgent words would succeed in shaking off his + torpor; but, at any rate, I will lay before him the gravity of the + situation, and, beyond all doubt, he will accompany us to-night to the + Thuilliers’.” + </p> + <p> + “It is needless to say,” added the countess, rising, “that we must + carefully avoid the very slightest appearance of collusion; we must not + converse together; in fact, unless it can be done in some casual way, it + would be better not to speak.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg you to rely, madame, upon my prudence,” replied Phellion, “and + kindly accept the assurance—” + </p> + <p> + “Of your most distinguished sentiments,” interrupted the countess, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “No, madame,” replied Phellion, gravely, “I reserve that formula for the + conclusion of my letters; I beg you to accept the assurance of my warmest + and most unalterable gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “We will talk of that when we are out of danger,” said Madame de Godollo, + moving towards the door; “and if Madame Phellion, the tenderest and most + virtuous of mothers, will grant me a little place in her esteem, I shall + count myself more than repaid for my trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Phellion plunged headlong into a responsive compliment; and the + countess, in her carriage, was at some distance from the house before + Phellion had ceased to offer her his most respectful salutations. + </p> + <p> + As the Latin-quarter element in Brigitte’s salon became more rare and less + assiduous, a livelier Paris began to infiltrate it. Among his colleagues + in the municipal council and among the upper employees of the prefecture + of the Seine, the new councillor had made several very important recruits. + The mayor, and the deputy mayors of the arrondissement, on whom, after his + removal to the Madeleine quarter, Thuillier had called, hastened to return + the civility; and the same thing happened with the superior officers of + the first legion. The house itself had produced a contingent; and several + of the new tenants contributed, by their presence, to change the aspect of + the dominical meetings. Among the number we must mention Rabourdin [see + “Bureaucracy”], the former head of Thuillier’s office at the ministry of + finance. Having had the misfortune to lose his wife, whose salon, at an + earlier period, checkmated that of Madame Colleville, Rabourdin occupied + as a bachelor the third floor, above the apartment let to Cardot, the + notary. As the result of an odious slight to his just claims, Rabourdin + had voluntarily resigned his public functions. At this time, when he again + met Thuillier, he was director of one of those numerous projected + railways, the construction of which is always delayed by either + parliamentary rivalry or parliamentary indecision. Let us say, in passing, + that the meeting with this able administrator, now become an important + personage in the financial world, was an occasion to the worthy and honest + Phellion to display once more his noble character. At the time of the + resignation to which Rabourdin had felt himself driven, Phellion alone, of + all the clerks in the office, had stood by him in his misfortunes. Being + now in a position to bestow a great number of places, Rabourdin, on + meeting once more his faithful subordinate, hastened to offer him a + position both easy and lucrative. + </p> + <p> + “Mossieu,” said Phellion, “your benevolence touches me and honors me, but + my frankness owes you an avowal, which I beg you not to take in ill part: + I do not believe in ‘railways,’ as the English call them.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s an opinion to which you have every right,” said Rabourdin, + smiling; “but, meanwhile, until the contrary is proved, we pay the + employees in our office well, and I should be glad to have you with me in + that capacity. I know by experience that you are a man on whom I can + count.” + </p> + <p> + “Mossieu,” returned the great citizen, “I did my duty at that time, and + nothing more. As for the offer you have been so good as to make to me, I + cannot accept it; satisfied with my humble fortunes, I feel neither the + need nor the desire to re-enter an administrative career; and, in common + with the Latin poet, I may say, ‘Claudite jam rivos, pueri, sat prata + biberunt.’” + </p> + <p> + Thus elevated in the character of its habitues, the salon Thuillier still + needed a new element of life. Thanks to the help of Madame de Godollo, a + born organizer, who successfully put to profit the former connection of + Colleville with the musical world, a few artists came to make diversion + from bouillotte and boston. Old-fashioned and venerable, those two games + were forced to beat a retreat before whist, the only manner, said the + Hungarian countess, in which respectable people can kill time. + </p> + <p> + Like Louis XVI., who began by putting his own hand to reforms which + subsequently engulfed his throne, Brigitte had encouraged, at first, this + domestic revolution; the need of sustaining her position suitably in the + new quarter to which she had emigrated had made her docile to all + suggestions of comfort and elegance. But the day on which occurred the + scene we are about to witness, an apparently trivial detail had revealed + to her the danger of the declivity on which she stood. The greater number + of the new guests, recently imported by Thuillier, knew nothing of his + sister’s supremacy in his home. On arrival, therefore, they all asked + Thuillier to present them to <i>Madame</i>, and, naturally, Thuillier + could not say to them that his wife was a figure-head who groaned under + the iron hand of a Richelieu, to whom the whole household bent the knee. + It was therefore not until the first homage rendered to the sovereign “de + jure” was paid, that the new-comers were led up to Brigitte, and by reason + of the stiffness which displeasure at this misplacement of power gave to + her greeting they were scarcely encouraged to pay her any further + attentions. Quick to perceive this species of overthrow, Queen Elizabeth + said to herself, with that profound instinct of domination which was her + ruling passion:— + </p> + <p> + “If I don’t take care I shall soon be nobody in this house.” + </p> + <p> + Burrowing into that idea, she came to think that if the project of making + a common household with la Peyrade, then Celeste’s husband, were carried + out, the situation which was beginning to alarm her would become even + worse. From that moment, and by sudden intuition, Felix Phellion, that + good young man, with his head too full of mathematics ever to become a + formidable rival to her sovereignty, seemed to her a far better match than + the enterprising lawyer, and she was the first, on seeing the Phellion + father and mother arrive without the son, to express regret at his + absence. Brigitte, however, was not the only one to feel the injury that + the luckless professor was doing to his prospects in thus keeping away + from her reception. Madame Thuillier, with simple candor, and Celeste with + feigned reserve, both made manifest their displeasure. As for Madame de + Godollo, who, in spite of a very remarkable voice, usually required much + pressing before she would sing (the piano having been opened since her + reign began), she now went up to Madame Phellion and asked her to + accompany her, and between two verses of a song she said in her ear:— + </p> + <p> + “Why isn’t your son here?” + </p> + <p> + “He is coming,” said Madame Phellion. “His father talked to him very + decidedly; but to-night there happens to be a conjunction of I don’t know + what planets; it is a great night at the Observatory, and he did not feel + willing to dispense with—” + </p> + <p> + “It is inconceivable that a man should be so foolish!” exclaimed Madame de + Godollo; “wasn’t theology bad enough, that he must needs bring in + astronomy too?” + </p> + <p> + And her vexation gave to her voice so vibrating a tone that her song ended + in the midst of what the English call a thunder of applause. La Peyrade, + who feared her extremely, was not one of the last, when she returned to + her place, to approach her, and express his admiration; but she received + his compliments with a coldness so near to incivility that their mutual + hostility was greatly increased. La Peyrade turned away to console himself + with Madame Colleville, who had still too many pretensions to beauty not + to be the enemy of a woman made to intercept all homage. + </p> + <p> + “So you also, you think that woman sings well?” she said, contemptuously, + to Theodose. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, I have been to tell her so,” replied la Peyrade, “because + without her, in regard to Brigitte, there’s no security. But do just look + at your Celeste; her eyes never leave that door, and every time a tray is + brought in, though it is an hour at least since the last guest came, her + face expresses disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + We must remark, in passing, that since the reign of Madame de Godollo + trays were passed round on the Sunday reception days, and that without + scrimping; on the contrary, they were laden with ices, cakes, and syrups, + from Taurade’s, then the best confectioner. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t harass me!” cried Flavie. “I know very well what that foolish girl + has in her mind; and your marriage will take place only too soon.” + </p> + <p> + “But you know it is not for myself I make it,” said la Peyrade; “it is a + necessity for the future of all of us. Come, come, there are tears in your + eyes! I shall leave you; you are not reasonable. The devil! as that + Prudhomme of a Phellion says, ‘Whoso wants the end wants the means.’” + </p> + <p> + And he went toward the group composed of Celeste, Madame Thuillier, Madame + de Godollo, Colleville, and Phellion. Madame Colleville followed him; and, + under the influence of the feeling of jealousy she had just shown, she + became a savage mother. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste,” she said, “why don’t you sing? These gentlemen wish to hear + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mamma!” cried the girl, “how can I sing after Madame de Godollo, with + my poor thread of a voice? Besides, you know I have a cold.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to say that, as usual, you make yourself pretentious and + disagreeable; people sing as they can sing; all voices have their own + merits.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said Colleville, who, having just lost twenty francs at the + card-tables, found courage in his ill-humor to oppose his wife, “that + saying, ‘People sing as they can sing’ is a bourgeois maxim. People sing + with a voice, if they have one; but they don’t sing after hearing such a + magnificent opera voice as that of Madame la comtesse. For my part, I + readily excuse Celeste for not warbling to us one of her sentimental + little ditties.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is well worth while,” said Flavie, leaving the group, “to spend + so much money on expensive masters who are good for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said Colleville, resuming the conversation which the invasion of + Flavie had interrupted, “Felix no longer inhabits this earth; he lives + among the stars?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear and former colleague,” said Phellion, “I am, as you are, annoyed + with my son for neglecting, as he does, the oldest friends of his family; + and though the contemplation of those great luminous bodies suspended in + space by the hand of the Creator presents, in my opinion, higher interest + than it appears to have to your more eager brain, I think that Felix, by + not coming here to-night, as he promised me he would, shows a want of + propriety, about which, I can assure you I shall speak my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Science,” said la Peyrade, “is a fine thing, but it has, unfortunately, + the attribute of making bears and monomaniacs.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to mention,” said Celeste, “that it destroys all religious + sentiments.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken there, my dear child,” said Madame de Godollo. “Pascal, + who was himself a great example of the falseness of your point of view, + says, if I am not mistaken, that a little science draws us from religion, + but a great deal draws us back to it.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, madame,” said Celeste, “every one admits that Monsieur Felix is + really very learned; when he helped my brother with his studies nothing + could be, so Francois told me, clearer or more comprehensible than his + explanations; and you see, yourself, he is not the more religious for + that.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, my dear child, that Monsieur Felix is not irreligious, and + with a little gentleness and patience nothing would be easier than to + bring him back.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring back a savant to the duties of religion!” exclaimed la Peyrade. + “Really, madame, that seems to me very difficult. These gentlemen put the + object of their studies before everything else. Tell a geometrician or a + geologist, for example, that the Church demands, imperatively, the + sanctification of the Sabbath by the suspension of all species of work, + and they will shrug their shoulders, though God Himself did not disdain to + rest from His labors.” + </p> + <p> + “So that in not coming here this evening,” said Celeste, naively, + “Monsieur Felix commits not only a fault against good manners, but a sin.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dearest,” said Madame de Godollo, “do you think that our meeting + here this evening to sing ballads and eat ices and say evil of our + neighbor—which is the customary habit of salons—is more + pleasing to God than to see a man of science in his observatory busied in + studying the magnificent secrets of His creation?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a time for all things,” said Celeste; “and, as Monsieur de la + Peyrade says, God Himself did not disdain to rest.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my love,” said Madame de Godollo, “God has time to do so; He is + eternal.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said la Peyrade, “is one of the wittiest impieties ever uttered; + those are the reasons that the world’s people put forth. They interpret + and explain away the commands of God, even those that are most explicit + and imperative; they take them, leave them, or choose among them; the + free-thinker subjects them to his lordly revision, and from free-thinking + the distance is short to free actions.” + </p> + <p> + During this harangue of the barrister Madame de Godollo had looked at the + clock; it then said half-past eleven. The salon began to empty. Only one + card-table was still going on, Minard, Thuillier, and two of the new + acquaintances being the players. Phellion had just quitted the group with + which he had so far been sitting, to join his wife, who was talking with + Brigitte in a corner; by the vehemence of his pantomimic action it was + easy to see that he was filled with some virtuous indignation. Everything + seemed to show that all hope of seeing the arrival of the tardy lover was + decidedly over. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said the countess to la Peyrade, “do you consider the + gentlemen attached to Saint-Jacques du Haut Pas in the rue des Postes good + Catholics?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly,” replied the barrister, “religion has no more loyal + supporters.” + </p> + <p> + “This morning,” continued the countess, “I had the happiness to be + received by Pere Anselme. He is thought the model of all Christian + virtues, and yet the good father is a very learned mathematician.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not said, madame, that the two qualities were absolutely + incompatible.” + </p> + <p> + “But you did say that a true Christian could not attend to any species of + work on Sunday. If so, Pere Anselme must be an unbeliever; for when I was + admitted to his room I found him standing before a blackboard with a bit + of chalk in his hand, busy with a problem which was, no doubt, knotty, for + the board was three-parts covered with algebraic signs; and I must add + that he did not seem to care for the scandal this ought to cause, for he + had with him an individual whom I am not allowed to name, a younger man of + science, of great promise, who was sharing his profane occupation.” + </p> + <p> + Celeste and Madame Thuillier looked at each other, and both saw a gleam of + hope in the other’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Why can’t you tell us the name of that young man of science?” Madame + Thuillier ventured to say, for she never put any diplomacy into the + expression of her thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Because he has not, like Pere Anselme, the saintliness which would + absolve him in the eyes of monsieur here for this flagrant violation of + the Sabbath. Besides,” added Madame de Godollo, in a significant manner, + “he asked me not to mention that I had met him there.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you know a good many scientific young men?” said Celeste, + interrogatively; “this one and Monsieur Felix—that makes two.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear love,” said the countess, “you are an inquisitive little girl, + and you will not make me say what I do not choose to say, especially after + a confidence that Pere Anselme made to me; for if I did, your imagination + would at once set off at a gallop.” + </p> + <p> + The gallop had already started, and every word the countess said only + added to the anxious eagerness of the young girl. + </p> + <p> + “As for me,” said la Peyrade, sarcastically, “I shouldn’t be at all + surprised if Pere Anselme’s young collaborator was that very Felix + Phellion. Voltaire always kept very close relations with the Jesuits who + brought him up; but he never talked religion with them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my young savant does talk of it to his venerable brother in + science; he submits his doubts to him; in fact, that was the beginning of + their scientific intimacy.” + </p> + <p> + “And does Pere Anselme,” asked Celeste, “hope to convert him?” + </p> + <p> + “He is sure of it,” replied the countess. “His young collaborator, apart + from a religious education which he certainly never had, has been brought + up to the highest principles; he knows, moreover, that his conversion to + religion would make the happiness of a charming girl whom he loves, and + who loves him. Now, my dear, you will not get another word out of me, and + you may think what you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! godmother!” whispered Celeste, yielding to the freshness of her + feelings, “suppose it were he!” + </p> + <p> + And the tears filled her eyes as she pressed Madame Thuillier’s hand. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the servant threw open the door of the salon, and, singular + complication! announced Monsieur Felix Phellion. + </p> + <p> + The young professor entered the room, bathed in perspiration, his cravat + in disorder, and himself out of breath. + </p> + <p> + “A pretty hour,” said Phellion, sternly, “to present yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Felix, moving to the side of the room where Madame + Thuillier and Celeste were seated, “I could not leave before the end of + the phenomenon; and then I couldn’t find a carriage, and I have run the + whole way.” + </p> + <p> + “Your ears ought to have burned as you came,” said la Peyrade, “for you + have been for the last half-hour in the minds of these ladies, and a great + problem has been started about you.” + </p> + <p> + Felix did not answer. He saw Brigitte entering the salon from the + dining-room where she had gone to tell the man-servant not to bring in + more trays, and he hurried to greet her. + </p> + <p> + After listening to a few reproaches for the rarity of his visits and + receiving forgiveness in a very cordial “Better late than never,” he + turned towards his pole, and was much astonished to hear himself addressed + by Madame de Godollo as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” she said, “I hope you will pardon the indiscretion I have, in + the heat of conversation, committed about you. I have told these ladies + where I met you this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Met me?” said Felix; “if I had the honor to meet you, madame, I did not + see you.” + </p> + <p> + An almost imperceptible smile flickered on la Peyrade’s lips. + </p> + <p> + “You saw me well enough to ask me to keep silence as to where I had met + you; but, at any rate, I did not go beyond a simple statement; I said you + saw Pere Anselme sometimes, and had certain scientific relations with him; + also that you defended your religious doubts to him as you do to Celeste.” + </p> + <p> + “Pere Anselme!” said Felix, stupidly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Pere Anselme,” said la Peyrade, “a great mathematician who does not + despair of converting you. Mademoiselle Celeste wept for joy.” + </p> + <p> + Felix looked around him with a bewildered air. Madame de Godollo fixed + upon him a pair of eyes the language of which a poodle could have + understood. + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” he said finally, “I could have given that joy to Mademoiselle + Celeste, but I think, madame, you are mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur, then I must be more precise,” said the countess, “and if + your modesty still induces you to hide a step that can only honor you, you + can contradict me; I will bear the mortification of having divulged a + secret which, I acknowledge, you trusted implicitly to my discretion.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Thuillier and Celeste were truly a whole drama to behold; never + were doubt and eager expectation more plainly depicted on the human face. + Measuring her words deliberately, Madame de Godollo thus continued:— + </p> + <p> + “I said to these ladies, because I know how deep an interest they take in + your salvation, and because you are accused of boldly defying the + commandments of God by working on Sundays, that I had met you this morning + at the house of Pere Anselme, a mathematician like yourself, with whom you + were busy in solving a problem; I said that your scientific intercourse + with that saintly and enlightened man had led to other explanations + between you; that you had submitted to him your religious doubts, and he + did not despair of removing them. In the confirmation you can give of my + words there is nothing, I am sure, to wound your self-esteem. The matter + was simply a surprise you intended for Celeste, and I have had the + stupidity to divulge it. But when she hears you admit the truth of my + words you will have given her such happiness that I shall hope to be + forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, monsieur,” said la Peyrade, “there’s nothing absurd or mortifying + in having sought for light; you, so honorable and so truly an enemy to + falsehood, you cannot deny what madame affirms with such decision.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Felix, after a moment’s hesitation, “will you, Mademoiselle + Celeste, allow me to say a few words to you in private, without + witnesses?” + </p> + <p> + Celeste rose, after receiving an approving sign from Madame Thuillier. + Felix took her hand and led her to the recess of the nearest window. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste,” he said, “I entreat you: wait! See,” he added, pointing to the + constellation of Ursa Minor, “beyond those visible stars a future lies + before us; I will place you there. As for Pere Anselme, I cannot admit + what has been said, for it is not true. It is an invented tale. But be + patient with me; you shall soon know all.” + </p> + <p> + “He is mad!” said the young girl, in tones of despair, as she resumed her + place beside Madame Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + Felix confirmed this judgment by rushing frantically from the salon, + without perceiving the emotion in which his father and his mother started + after him. After this sudden departure, which stupefied everybody, la + Peyrade approached Madame de Godollo very respectfully, and said to her:— + </p> + <p> + “You must admit, madame, that it is difficult to drag a man from the water + when he persists in being drowned.” + </p> + <p> + “I had no idea until this moment of such utter simplicity,” replied the + countess; “it is too silly. I pass over to the enemy; and with that enemy + I am ready and desirous to have, whenever he pleases, a frank and honest + explanation.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. HUNGARY VERSUS PROVENCE + </h2> + <p> + The next day Theodose felt himself possessed by two curiosities: How would + Celeste behave as to the option she had accepted? and this Comtesse Torna + de Godollo, what did she mean by what she had said; and what did she want + with him? + </p> + <p> + The first of these questions seemed, undoubtedly, to have the right of + way, and yet, by some secret instinct, la Peyrade felt more keenly drawn + toward the conclusion of the second problem. He decided, therefore, to + take his first step in that direction, fully understanding that he could + not too carefully arm himself for the interview to which the countess had + invited him. + </p> + <p> + The morning had been rainy, and this great calculator was, of course, not + ignorant how much a spot of mud, tarnishing the brilliancy of varnished + boots, could lower a man in the opinion of some. He therefore sent his + porter for a cabriolet, and about three o’clock in the afternoon he drove + from the rue Saint-Dominique d’Enfer toward the elegant latitudes of the + Madeleine. It may well be believed that certain cares had been bestowed + upon his toilet, which ought to present a happy medium between the + negligent ease of a morning costume and the ceremonious character of an + evening suit. Condemned by his profession to a white cravat, which he + rarely laid aside, and not venturing to present himself in anything but a + dress-coat, he felt himself being drawn, of necessity, to one of the + extremes he desired to avoid. However by buttoning up his coat and wearing + tan instead of straw-colored gloves, he managed to <i>unsolemnize</i> + himself, and to avoid that provincial air which a man in full dress + walking the streets of Paris while the sun is above the horizon never + fails to convey. + </p> + <p> + The wary diplomatist was careful not to drive to the house where he was + going. He was unwilling to be seen from the countess’ entresol issuing + from a hired cab, and from the first floor he feared to be discovered + stopping short on his way up at the lower floor,—a proceeding which + could not fail to give rise to countless conjectures. + </p> + <p> + He therefore ordered the driver to pull up at the corner of the rue + Royale, whence, along a pavement that was now nearly dry, he picked his + way on tiptoe to the house. It so chanced that he was not seen by either + the porter or his wife; the former being beadle of the church of the + Madeleine, was absent at a service, and the wife had just gone up to show + a vacant apartment to a lodger. Theodose was therefore able to glide + unobserved to the door of the sanctuary he desired to penetrate. A soft + touch of his hand to the silken bell-rope caused a sound which echoed from + the interior of the apartment. A few seconds elapsed, and then another and + more imperious bell of less volume seemed to him a notification to the + maid that her delay in opening the door was displeasing to her mistress. A + moment later, a waiting-woman, of middle age, and too well trained to + dress like a “soubrette” of comedy, opened the door to him. + </p> + <p> + The lawyer gave his name, and the woman ushered him into a dining-room, + severely luxurious, where she asked him to wait. A moment later, however, + she returned, and admitted him into the most coquettish and splendid salon + it was possible to insert beneath the low ceilings of an entresol. The + divinity of the place was seated before a writing-table covered with a + Venetian cloth, in which gold glittered in little spots among the dazzling + colors of the tapestry. + </p> + <p> + “Will you allow me, monsieur, to finish a letter of some importance?” she + said. + </p> + <p> + The barrister bowed in sign of assent. The handsome Hungarian then + concluded a note on blue English paper, which she placed in an envelope; + after sealing it carefully, she rang the bell. The maid appeared + immediately and lighted a little spirit lamp; above the lamp was suspended + a sort of tiny crucible, in which was a drop of sealing-wax; as soon as + this had melted, the maid poured it on the envelope, presenting to her + mistress a seal with armorial bearings. This the countess imprinted on the + wax with her own beautiful hands, and then said:— + </p> + <p> + “Take the letter at once to that address.” + </p> + <p> + The woman made a movement to take the letter, but, either from haste or + inadvertence, the paper fell from her hand close to la Peyrade’s feet. He + stooped hastily to pick it up, and read the direction involuntarily. It + bore the words, “His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs”; the + significant words, “For him only,” written higher up, seemed to give this + missive a character of intimacy. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, monsieur,” said the countess, receiving the paper, which he had + the good taste to return to her own hands in order to show his eagerness + to serve her. “Be so good, mademoiselle, as to carry that in a way not to + lose it,” she added in a dry tone to the unlucky maid. The countess then + left her writing-table and took her seat on a sofa covered with pearl-gray + satin. + </p> + <p> + During these proceedings la Peyrade had the satisfaction of making an + inventory of all the choice things by which he was surrounded. Paintings + by good masters detached themselves from walls of even tone; on a + pier-table stood a very tall Japanese vase; before the windows the + jardinieres were filled with lilium rubrum, showing its handsome reversely + curling petals surmounted by white and red camellias and a dwarf magnolia + from China, with flowers of sulphur white with scarlet edges. In a corner + was a stand of arms, of curious shapes and rich construction, explained, + perhaps, by the lady’s Hungarian nationality—always that of the + hussar. A few bronzes and statuettes of exquisite selection, chairs + rolling softly on Persian carpets, and a perfect anarchy of stuffs of all + kinds completed the arrangement of this salon, which the lawyer had once + before visited with Brigitte and Thuillier before the countess moved into + it. It was so transformed that it seemed to him unrecognizable. With a + little more knowledge of the world la Peyrade would have been less + surprised at the marvellous care given by the countess to the decoration + of the room. A woman’s salon is her kingdom, and her absolute domain; + there, in the fullest sense of the word, she reigns, she governs; there + she offers battle, and nearly always comes off victorious. + </p> + <p> + Coquettishly lying back in a corner of the sofa, her head carelessly + supported by an arm the form and whiteness of which could be seen nearly + to the elbow through the wide, open sleeve of a black velvet + dressing-gown, her Cinderella foot in its dainty slipper of Russia leather + resting on a cushion of orange satin, the handsome Hungarian had the look + of a portrait by Laurence or Winterhalter, plus the naivete of the pose. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” she said, with the slightly foreign accent which lent an added + charm to her words, “I cannot help thinking it rather droll that a man of + your mind and rare penetration should have thought you had an enemy in + me.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Madame la comtesse,” replied la Peyrade, allowing her to read in his + eyes an astonishment mingled with distrust, “all the appearances, you must + admit, were of that nature. A suitor interposes to break off a marriage + which has been offered to me with every inducement; this rival does me the + service of showing himself so miraculously stupid and awkward that I could + easily have set him aside, when suddenly a most unlooked-for and able + auxiliary devotes herself to protecting him on the very ground where he + shows himself most vulnerable.” + </p> + <p> + “You must admit,” said the countess, laughing, “that the protege showed + himself a most intelligent man, and that he seconded my efforts + valiantly.” + </p> + <p> + “His clumsiness could not have been, I think, very unexpected to you,” + replied la Peyrade; “therefore the protection you have deigned to give him + is the more cruel to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What a misfortune it would be,” said the countess, with charmingly + affected satire, “if your marriage with Mademoiselle Celeste were + prevented! Do you really care so much, monsieur, for that little + school-girl?” + </p> + <p> + In that last word, especially the intonation with which it was uttered, + there was more than contempt, there was hatred. This expression did not + escape an observer of la Peyrade’s strength, but not being a man to + advance very far on a single remark he merely replied:— + </p> + <p> + “Madame, the vulgar expression, to ‘settle down,’ explains this situation, + in which a man, after many struggles and being at an end of his efforts + and his illusions, makes a compromise with the future. When this + compromise takes the form of a young girl with, I admit, more virtue than + beauty, but one who brings to a husband the fortune which is indispensable + to the comfort of married life, what is there so astonishing in the fact + that his heart yields to gratitude and that he welcomes the prospect of a + placid happiness?” + </p> + <p> + “I have always thought,” replied the countess, “that the power of a man’s + intellect ought to be the measure of his ambition; and I imagined that one + so wise as to make himself, at first, the poor man’s lawyer, would have in + his heart less humble and less pastoral aspirations.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! madame,” returned la Peyrade, “the iron hand of necessity compels us + to strange resignations. The question of daily bread is one of those + before which all things bend the knee. Apollo was forced to ‘get a + living,’ as the shepherd of Admetus.” + </p> + <p> + “The sheepfold of Admetus,” said Madame de Godollo, “was at least a royal + fold; I don’t think Apollo would have resigned himself to be the shepherd + of a—bourgeois.” + </p> + <p> + The hesitation that preceded that last word seemed to convey in place of + it a proper name; and la Peyrade understood that Madame de Godollo, out of + pure clemency, had suppressed that of Thuillier, had turned her remark + upon the species and not the individual. + </p> + <p> + “I agree, madame, that your distinction is a just one,” he replied, “but + in this case Apollo has no choice.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t like persons who charge too much,” said the countess, “but still + less do I like those who sell their merchandise below the market price; I + always suspect such persons of trying to dupe me by some clever and + complicated trick. You know very well, monsieur, your own value, and your + hypocritical humility displeases me immensely. It proves to me that my + kindly overtures have not produced even a beginning of confidence between + us.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you, madame, that up to the present time life has never + justified the belief in any dazzling superiority in me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, really,” said the Hungarian, “perhaps I ought to believe in the + humility of a man who is willing to accept the pitiable finale of his life + which I threw myself into the breach to prevent.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as I, perhaps,” said la Peyrade, with a touch of sarcasm, “ought to + believe in the reality of a kindness which, in order to save me, has + handled me so roughly.” + </p> + <p> + The countess cast a reproachful look upon her visitor; her fingers + crumpled the ribbons of her gown; she lowered her eyes, and gave a sigh, + so nearly imperceptible, so slight, that it might have passed for an + accident in the most regular breathing. + </p> + <p> + “You are rancorous,” she said, “and you judge people by one aspect only. + After all,” she added, as if on reflection, “you are perhaps right in + reminding me that I have taken the longest way round by meddling, rather + ridiculously, in interests that do not concern me. Go on, my dear + monsieur, in the path of this glorious marriage which offers you so many + combined inducements; only, let me hope that you may not repent a course + with which I shall no longer interfere.” + </p> + <p> + The Provencal had not been spoilt by an experience of “bonnes fortunes.” + The poverty against which he had struggled so long never leads to affairs + of gallantry, and since he had thrown off its harsh restraint, his mind + being wholly given up to the anxious work of creating his future, the + things of the heart had entered but slightly into his life; unless we must + except the comedy he had played on Flavie. We can therefore imagine the + perplexity of this novice in the matter of adventures when he saw himself + placed between the danger of losing what seemed to be a delightful + opportunity, and the fear of finding a serpent amid the beautiful flowers + that were offered to his grasp. Too marked a reserve, too lukewarm an + eagerness, might wound the self-love of that beautiful foreigner, and + quench the spring from which he seemed invited to draw. On the other hand, + suppose that appearance of interest were only a snare? Suppose this + kindness (ill-explained, as it seemed to him), of which he was so suddenly + the object, had no other purpose than to entice him into a step which + might be used to compromise him with the Thuilliers? What a blow to his + reputation for shrewdness, and what a role to play!—that of the dog + letting go the meat for the shadow! + </p> + <p> + We know that la Peyrade was trained in the school of Tartuffe, and the + frankness with which that great master declares to Elmire that without + receiving a few of the favors to which he aspired he could not trust in + her tender advances, seemed to the barrister a suitable method to apply to + the present case, adding, however, a trifle more softness to the form. + </p> + <p> + “Madame la comtesse,” he said, “you have turned me into a man who is much + to be pitied. I was cheerfully advancing to this marriage, and you take + all faith in it away from me. Suppose I break it off, what use can I—with + that great capacity you see in me—make of the liberty I thus + recover?” + </p> + <p> + “La Bruyere, if I am not mistaken, said that nothing freshens the blood so + much as to avoid committing a folly.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be; but it is, you must admit, a negative benefit; and I am of + an age and in a position to desire more serious results. The interest that + you deign to show to me cannot, I think, stop short at the idea of merely + putting an end to my present prospects. I love Mademoiselle Colleville + with a love, it is true, which has nothing imperative about it; but I + certainly love her, her hand is promised to me, and before renouncing it—” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said the countess, hastily, “in a given case you would not be averse + to a rupture? And,” she added, in a more decided tone, “there would be + some chance of making you see that in taking your first opportunity you + cut yourself off from a better future, in which a more suitable marriage + may present itself?” + </p> + <p> + “But, at least, madame, I must be enabled to foresee it definitely.” + </p> + <p> + This persistence in demanding pledges seemed to irritate the countess. + </p> + <p> + “Faith,” she said, “is only a virtue when it believes without seeing. You + doubt yourself, and that is another form of stupidity. I am not happy, it + seems, in my selection of those I desire to benefit.” + </p> + <p> + “But, madame, it cannot be indiscreet to ask to know in some remote way at + least, what future your kind good-will has imagined for me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very indiscreet,” replied the countess, coldly, “and it shows + plainly that you offer me only a conditional confidence. Let us say no + more. You are certainly far advanced with Mademoiselle Colleville; she + suits you, you say, in many ways; therefore marry her. I say again, you + will no longer find me in your way.” + </p> + <p> + “But does Mademoiselle Colleville really suit me?” resumed la Peyrade; + “that is the very point on which you have lately raised my doubts. Do you + not think there is something cruel in casting me first in one direction + and then in the other without affording me any ground to go upon?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the countess, in a tone of impatience, “you want my opinion on + the premises! Well, monsieur, there is one very conclusive fact to which I + can bring proof: Celeste does not love you.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have thought,” said la Peyrade, humbly. “I felt that I was making a + marriage of mere convenience.” + </p> + <p> + “And she cannot love you, because,” continued Madame de Godollo, with + animation, “she cannot comprehend you. Her proper husband is that blond + little man, insipid as herself; from the union of those two natures + without life or heat will result in that lukewarm existence which, in the + opinion of the world where she was born and where she has lived, is the ne + plus ultra of conjugal felicity. Try to make that little simpleton + understand that when she had a chance to unite herself with true talent + she ought to have felt highly honored! But, above all, try to make her + miserable, odious family and surroundings understand it! Enriched + bourgeois, parvenus! there’s the roof beneath which you think to rest from + your cruel labor and your many trials! And do you believe that you will + not be made to feel, twenty times a day, that your share in the + partnership is distressingly light in the scale against their money? On + one side, the Iliad, the Cid, Der Freyschutz, and the frescos of the + Vatican; on the other, three hundred thousand francs in good, ringing + coin! Tell me which side they will trust and admire! The artist, the man + of imagination who falls into the bourgeois atmosphere—shall I tell + you to what I compare him? To Daniel cast into the lion’s den, less the + miracle of Holy Writ.” + </p> + <p> + This invective against the bourgeoisie was uttered in a tone of heated + conviction which could scarcely fail to be communicated. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! madame,” cried la Peyrade, “how eloquently you say things which again + and again have entered my troubled and anxious mind! But I have felt + myself lashed to that most cruel fate, the necessity of gaining a position—” + </p> + <p> + “Necessity! position!” interrupted the countess, again raising the + temperature of her speech,—“words void of meaning! which have not + even sound to able men, though they drive back fools as though they were + formidable barriers. Necessity! does that exist for noble natures, for + those who know how to will? A Gascon minister uttered a saying which ought + to be engraved on the doors of all careers: ‘All things come to him who + knows how to wait.’ Are you ignorant that marriage, to men of a high + stamp, is either a chain which binds them to the lowest vulgarities of + existence, or a wing on which to rise to the highest summits of the social + world? The wife you need, monsieur,—and she would not be long + wanting to your career if you had not, with such incredible haste, + accepted the first ‘dot’ that was offered you,—the wife you should + have chosen is a woman capable of understanding you, able to divine your + intellect; one who could be to you a fellow-worker, an intellectual + confidant, and not a mere embodiment of the ‘pot-au-feu’; a woman capable + of being now your secretary, but soon the wife of a deputy, a minister, an + ambassador; one, in short, who could offer you her heart as a mainspring, + her salon for a stage, her connections for a ladder, and who, in return + for all she would give you of ardor and strength, asks only to shine + beside your throne in the rays of the glory she predicts for you!” + </p> + <p> + Intoxicated, as it were, with the flow of her own words, the countess was + really magnificent; her eyes sparkled, her nostrils dilated; the prospect + her vivid eloquence thus unrolled she seemed to see, and touch with her + quivering fingers. For a moment, la Peyrade was dazzled by this sunrise + which suddenly burst upon his life. + </p> + <p> + However, as he was a man most eminently prudent, who had made it his rule + of life never to lend except on sound and solvent security, he was still + impelled to weigh the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Madame la comtesse,” he said, “you reproached me just now for speaking + like a bourgeois, and I, in return, am afraid that you are talking like a + goddess. I admire you, I listen to you, but I am not convinced. Such + devotions, such sublime abnegations may be met with in heaven, but in this + low world who can hope to be the object of them?” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, monsieur,” replied the countess, with solemnity; “such + devotions are rare, but they are neither impossible nor incredible; only, + it is necessary to have the heart to find them, and, above all, the hand + to take them when they are offered to you.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the countess rose majestically. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade saw that he had ended by displeasing her, and he felt that she + dismissed him. He rose himself, bowed respectfully, and asked to be + received again. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said Madame de Godollo, “we Hungarians, primitive people and + almost savages that we are, have a saying that when our door is open both + sides of it are opened wide; when we close it it is double-locked and + bolted.” + </p> + <p> + That dignified and ambiguous speech was accompanied by a slight + inclination of the head. Bewildered, confounded by this behavior, to him + so new, which bore but little resemblance to that of Flavie, Brigitte, and + Madame Minard, la Peyrade left the house, asking himself again and again + whether he had played his game properly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. SHOWING HOW NEAR THE TARPEIAN ROCK IS TO THE CAPITOL + </h2> + <p> + On leaving Madame de Godollo, la Peyrade felt the necessity of gathering + himself together. Beneath the conversation he had just maintained with + this strange woman, what could he see,—a trap, or a rich and + distinguished marriage offered to him. Under such a doubt as this, to + press Celeste for an immediate answer was neither clever nor prudent; it + was simply to bind himself, and close the door to the changes, still very + ill-defined, which seemed offered to him. The result of the consultation + which Theodose held with himself as he walked along the boulevard was that + he ought, for the moment, to think only of gaining time. Consequently, + instead of going to the Thuilliers’ to learn Celeste’s decision, he went + home, and wrote the following little note to Thuillier:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My dear Thuillier,—You will certainly not think it extraordinary + that I should not present myself at your house to-day,—partly + because I fear the sentence which will be pronounced upon me, and + partly because I do not wish to seem an impatient and unmannerly + creditor. A few days, more or less, will matter little under such + circumstances, and yet Mademoiselle Colleville may find them + desirable for the absolute freedom of her choice. I shall, + therefore, not go to see you until you write for me. + + I am now more calm, and I have added a few more pages to our + manuscript; it will take but little time to hand in the whole to + the printer. +</pre> + <p> + Ever yours, + </p> + <p> + Theodose de la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + Two hours later a servant, dressed in what was evidently the first step + towards a livery, which the Thuilliers did not as yet venture to risk, the + “male domestic,” whom Minard had mentioned to the Phellions, arrived at la + Peyrade’s lodgings with the following note:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Come to-night, without fail. We will talk over the whole affair + with Brigitte. +</pre> + <p> + Your most affectionately devoted Jerome Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said la Peyrade; “evidently there is some hindrance on the other + side; I shall have time to turn myself round.” + </p> + <p> + That evening, when the servant announced him in the Thuillier salon, the + Comtesse de Godollo, who was sitting with Brigitte, hastened to rise and + leave the room. As she passed la Peyrade she made him a very ceremonious + bow. There was nothing conclusive to be deduced from this abrupt + departure, which might signify anything, either much or nothing. + </p> + <p> + After talking of the weather and so forth for a time, as persons do who + have met to discuss a delicate subject about which they are not sure of + coming to an understanding, the matter was opened by Brigitte, who had + sent her brother to take a walk on the boulevard, telling him to leave her + to manage the affair. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy,” she said to Theodose, “it was very nice of you not to come + here to-day like a <i>grasp-all</i>, to put your pistol at our throats, + for we were not, as it happened, quite ready to answer you. I think,” she + added, “that our little Celeste needs a trifle more time.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said la Peyrade, quickly, “she has not decided in favor of + Monsieur Felix Phellion?” + </p> + <p> + “Joker!” replied the old maid, “you know very well you settled that + business last night; but you also know, of course, that her own + inclinations incline her that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Short of being blind, I must have seen that,” replied la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “It is not an obstacle to my projects,” continued Mademoiselle Thuillier; + “but it serves to explain why I ask for Celeste a little more time; and + also why I have wished all along to postpone the marriage to a later date. + I wanted to give you time to insinuate yourself into the heart of my dear + little girl—but you and Thuillier upset my plans.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, I think, has been done without your sanction,” said la Peyrade, + “and if, during these fifteen days, I have not talked with you on the + subject, it was out of pure delicacy. Thuillier told me that everything + was agreed upon with you.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, Thuillier knows very well that I refused to mix myself + up on your new arrangements. If you had not made yourself so scarce + lately, I might have been the first to tell you that I did not approve of + them. However, I can truly say I did nothing to hinder their success.” + </p> + <p> + “But that was too little,” said la Peyrade; “your active help was + absolutely necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly; but I, who know women better than you, being one of them,—I + felt very sure that if Celeste was told to choose between two suitors she + would consider that a permission to think at her ease of the one she liked + best. I myself had always left her in the vague as to Felix, knowing as I + did the proper moment to settle her mind about him.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said la Peyrade, “you mean that she refuses me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is much worse than that,” returned Brigitte; “she accepts you, and is + willing to pledge her word; but it is so easy to see she regards herself + as a victim, that if I were in your place I should feel neither flattered + nor secure in such a position.” + </p> + <p> + In any other condition of mind la Peyrade would probably have answered + that he accepted the sacrifice, and would make it his business to win the + heart which at first was reluctantly given; but delay now suited him, and + he replied to Brigitte with a question:— + </p> + <p> + “Then what do you advise? What course had I better take?” + </p> + <p> + “Finish Thuillier’s pamphlet, in the first place, or he’ll go crazy; and + leave me to work the other affair in your interests,” replied Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “But am I in friendly hands? For, to tell you the truth, little aunt, I + have not been able to conceal from myself that you have, for some time + past, changed very much to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Changed to you! What change do you see in me, addled-pate that you are?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! nothing very tangible,” said la Peyrade; “but ever since that + Countess Torna has had a footing in your house—” + </p> + <p> + “My poor boy, the countess has done me many services, and I am very + grateful to her; but is that any reason why I should be false to you, who + have done us still greater services?” + </p> + <p> + “But you must admit,” said la Peyrade, craftily, “that she has told you a + great deal of harm of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Naturally she has; these fine ladies are all that way; they expect the + whole world to adore them, and she sees that you are thinking only of + Celeste; but all she has said to me against you runs off my mind like + water from varnished cloth.” + </p> + <p> + “So, then, little aunt, I may continue to count on you?” persisted la + Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; provided you are not tormenting, and will let me manage this + affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me how you are going to do it?” asked la Peyrade, with an air of + great good-humor. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, I shall signify to Felix that he is not to set foot + in this house again.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that possible?” said the barrister; “I mean can it be done civilly?” + </p> + <p> + “Very possible; I shall make Phellion himself tell him. He’s a man who is + always astride of principles, and he’ll be the first to see that if his + son will not do what is necessary to obtain Celeste’s hand he ought to + deprive us of his presence.” + </p> + <p> + “What next?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Next, I shall signify to Celeste that she was left at liberty to choose + one husband or the other, and as she did not choose Felix she must make up + her mind to take you, a pious fellow, such as she wants. You needn’t be + uneasy; I’ll sing your praises, especially your generosity in not + profiting by the arrangement she agreed to make to-day. But all that will + take a week at least, and if Thuillier’s pamphlet isn’t out before then, I + don’t know but what we shall have to put him in a lunatic asylum.” + </p> + <p> + “The pamphlet can be out in two days. But is it very certain, little aunt, + that we are playing above-board? Mountains, as they say, never meet, but + men do; and certainly, when the time comes to promote the election, I can + do Thuillier either good or bad service. Do you know, the other day I was + terribly frightened. I had a letter from him in my pocket, in which he + spoke of the pamphlet as being written by me. I fancied for a moment that + I had dropped it in the Luxembourg. If I had, what a scandal it would have + caused in the quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Who would dare to play tricks with such a wily one as you?” said + Brigitte, fully comprehending the comminatory nature of la Peyrade’s last + words, interpolated into the conversation without rhyme or reason. “But + really,” she added, “why should you complain of us? It is you who are + behindhand in your promises. That cross which was to have been granted + within a week, and that pamphlet, which ought to have appeared a long time + ago—” + </p> + <p> + “The pamphlet and the cross will both appear in good time; the one will + bring the other,” said la Peyrade, rising. “Tell Thuillier to come and see + me to-morrow evening, and I think we can then correct the last sheet. But, + above all, don’t listen to the spitefulness of Madame de Godollo; I have + an idea that in order to make herself completely mistress of this house + she wants to alienate all your old friends, and also that she is casting + her net for Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, in point of fact,” said the old maid, whom the parting shot of the + infernal barrister had touched on the ever-sensitive point of her + authority, “I must look into that matter you speak of there; she is rather + coquettish, that little woman.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade gained a second benefit out of that speech so adroitly flung + out; he saw by Brigitte’s answer to it that the countess had not mentioned + to her the visit he had paid her during the day. This reticence might have + a serious meaning. + </p> + <p> + Four days later, the printer, the stitcher, the paper glazier having + fulfilled their offices, Thuillier had the inexpressible happiness of + beginning on the boulevards a promenade, which he continued through the + Passages, and even to the Palais-Royal, pausing before all the book-shops + where he saw, shining in black letters on a yellow poster, the famous + title:— + </p> + <p> + TAXATION AND THE SLIDING-SCALE by J. Thuillier, Member of the + Council-General of the Seine. + </p> + <p> + Having reached the point of persuading himself that the care he had + bestowed upon the correction of proofs made the merit of the work his own, + his paternal heart, like that of Maitre Corbeau, could not contain itself + for joy. We ought to add that he held in very low esteem those booksellers + who did not announce the sale of the new work, destined to become, as he + believed, a European event. Without actually deciding the manner in which + he would punish their indifference, he nevertheless made a list of these + rebellious persons, and wished them as much evil as if they had offered + him a personal affront. + </p> + <p> + The next day he spent a delightful morning in writing a certain number of + letters, sending the publication to friends, and putting into paper covers + some fifty copies, to which the sacramental phrase, “From the author,” + imparted to his eyes an inestimable value. + </p> + <p> + But the third day of the sale brought a slight diminution of his + happiness. He had chosen for his editor a young man, doing business at a + breakneck pace, who had lately established himself in the Passage des + Panoramas, where he was paying a ruinous rent. He was the nephew of Barbet + the publisher, whom Brigitte had had as a tenant in the rue + Saint-Dominique d’Enfer. This Barbet junior was a youth who flinched at + nothing; and when he was presented to Thuillier by his uncle, he pledged + himself, provided he was not shackled in his advertising, to sell off the + first edition and print a second within a week. + </p> + <p> + Now, Thuillier had spent about fifteen hundred francs himself on costs of + publication, such, for instance, as copies sent in great profusion to the + newspapers; but at the close of the third day <i>seven</i> copies only had + been sold, and three of those on credit. It might be believed that in + revealing to the horror-stricken Thuillier this paltry result the young + publisher would have lost at least something of his assurance. On the + contrary, this Guzman of the book-trade hastened to say:— + </p> + <p> + “I am delighted at what has happened. If we had sold a hundred copies it + would trouble me far more than the fifteen hundred now on our hands; + that’s what I call hanging fire; whereas this insignificant sale only + proves that the edition will go off like a rocket.” + </p> + <p> + “But when?” asked Thuillier, who thought this view paradoxical. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” said Barbet, “when we get notices in the newspapers. Newspaper + notices are only useful to arouse attention. ‘Dear me!’ says the public, + ‘there’s a publication that must be interesting.’ The title is good,—‘Taxation + and the Sliding-Scale,’—but I find that the more piquant a title is, + the more buyers distrust it, they have been taken in so often; they wait + for the notices. On the other hand, for books that are destined to have + only a limited sale, a hundred ready-made purchasers will come in at once, + but after that, good-bye to them; we don’t place another copy.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you don’t think,” said Thuillier, “that the sale is hopeless?” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I think it is on the best track. When the ‘Debats,’ the + ‘Constitutionnel,’ the ‘Siecle,’ and the ‘Presse’ have reviewed it, + especially if the ‘Debats’ mauls it (they are ministerial, you know), it + won’t be a week before the whole edition is snapped up.” + </p> + <p> + “You say that easily enough,” replied Thuillier; “but how are we to get + hold of those gentlemen of the press?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I’ll take care of that,” said Barbet. “I am on the best of terms with + the managing editors; they say the devil is in me, and that I remind them + of Ladvocat in his best days.” + </p> + <p> + “But then, my dear fellow, you ought to have seen to this earlier.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! excuse me, papa Thuillier; there’s only one way of seeing to the + journalists; but as you grumbled about the fifteen hundred francs for the + advertisements, I did not venture to propose to you another extra + expense.” + </p> + <p> + “What expense?” asked Thuillier, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “When you were nominated to the municipal council, where was the plan + mooted?” asked the publisher. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! in my own house,” replied Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, in your own house, but at a dinner, followed by a ball, + and the ball itself crowned by a supper. Well, my dear master, there are + no two ways to do this business; Boileau says:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘All is done through the palate, and not through the mind; + And it is by our dinners we govern mankind.’” + </pre> + <p> + “Then you think I ought to give a dinner to those journalists?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but not at your own house; for these journalists, you see, if women + are present, get stupid; they have to behave themselves. And, besides, it + isn’t dinner they want, but a breakfast—that suits them best. In the + evening these gentlemen have to go to first representations, and make up + their papers, not to speak of their own little private doings; whereas in + the mornings they have nothing to think about. As for me, it is always + breakfasts that I give.” + </p> + <p> + “But that costs money, breakfasts like that,” said Thuillier; “journalists + are gourmands.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! twenty francs a head, without wine. Say you have ten of them; three + hundred francs will see you handsomely through the whole thing. In fact, + as a matter of economy, breakfasts are preferable; for a dinner you + wouldn’t get off under five hundred francs.” + </p> + <p> + “How you talk, young man!” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hang it! everybody knows it costs dear to get elected to the Chamber; + and all this favors your nomination.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can I invite those gentlemen? Must I go and see them myself?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; send them your pamphlet and appoint them to meet you at + Philippe’s or Vefour’s—they’ll understand perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten guests,” said Thuillier, beginning to enter into the idea. “I did not + know there were so many leading journals.” + </p> + <p> + “There are not,” said the publisher; “but we must have the little dogs as + well, for they bark loudest. This breakfast is certain to make a noise, + and if you don’t ask them they’ll think you pick and choose, and everyone + excluded will be your enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think it is enough merely to send the invitations?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I’ll make the list, and you can write the notes and send them to me. + I’ll see that they are delivered; some of them I shall take in person.” + </p> + <p> + “If I were sure,” said Thuillier, undecidedly, “that this expense would + have the desired effect—” + </p> + <p> + “<i>If I were sure</i>,—that’s a queer thing to say,” said Barbet. + “My dear master, this is money placed on mortgage; for it, I will + guarantee the sale of fifteen hundred copies,—say at forty sous + apiece; allowing the discounts, that makes three thousand francs. You see + that your costs and extra costs are covered, and more than covered.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Thuillier, turning to go, “I’ll talk to la Peyrade about it.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please, my dear master; but decide soon, for nothing gets mouldy + so fast as a book; write hot, serve hot, and buy hot,—that’s the + rule for authors, publishers, and public; all is bosh outside of it, and + no good to touch.” + </p> + <p> + When la Peyrade was consulted, he did not think in his heart that the + remedy was heroic, but he had now come to feel the bitterest animosity + against Thuillier, so that he was well pleased to see this new tax levied + on his self-important inexperience and pompous silliness. + </p> + <p> + As for Thuillier, the mania for posing as a publicist and getting himself + talked about so possessed him that although he moaned over this fresh + bleeding of his purse, he had decided on the sacrifice before he even + spoke to la Peyrade. The reserved and conditional approval of the latter + was, therefore, more than enough to settle his determination, and the same + evening he returned to Barbet junior and asked for the list of guests whom + he ought to invite. + </p> + <p> + Barbet gaily produced his little catalogue. Instead of the ten guests + originally mentioned, there proved to be fifteen, not counting himself or + la Peyrade, whom Thuillier wanted to second him in this encounter with a + set of men among whom he himself felt he should be a little out of place. + Casting his eyes over the list, he exclaimed, vehemently:— + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! my dear fellow, here are names of papers nobody ever heard of. + Where’s the ‘Moralisateur,’ the ‘Lanterne de Diogene,’ the ‘Pelican,’ the + ‘Echo de la Bievre’?” + </p> + <p> + “You’d better be careful how you scorn the ‘Echo de la Bievre,’” said + Barbet; “why, that’s the paper of the 12th arrondissement, from which you + expect to be elected; its patrons are those big tanners of the Mouffetard + quarter!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let that go—but the ‘Pelican’?” + </p> + <p> + “The ‘Pelican’? that’s a paper you’ll find in every dentist’s + waiting-room; dentists are the first <i>puffists</i> in the world! How + many teeth do you suppose are daily pulled in Paris?” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, nonsense,” said Thuillier, who proceeded to mark out certain + names, reducing the whole number present to fourteen. + </p> + <p> + “If one falls off we shall be thirteen,” remarked Barbet. + </p> + <p> + “Pooh!” said Thuillier, the free-thinker, “do you suppose I give in to + that superstition?” + </p> + <p> + The list being finally closed and settled at fourteen, Thuillier seated + himself at the publisher’s desk and wrote the invitations, naming, in view + of the urgency of the purpose, the next day but one for the meeting, + Barbet having assured him that no journalist would object to the shortness + of the invitation. The meeting was appointed at Vefour’s, the restaurant + par excellence of the bourgeoisie and all provincials. + </p> + <p> + Barbet arrived on the day named before Thuillier, who appeared in a cravat + which alone was enough to create a stir in the satirical circle in which + he was about to produce himself. The publisher, on his own authority, had + changed various articles on the bill of fare as selected by his patron, + more especially directing that the champagne, ordered in true bourgeois + fashion to be served with the dessert, should be placed on the table at + the beginning of breakfast, with several dishes of shrimps, a necessity + which had not occurred to the amphitryon. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier, who gave a lip-approval to these amendments, was followed by la + Peyrade; and then came a long delay in the arrival of the guests. + Breakfast was ordered at eleven o’clock; at a quarter to twelve not a + journalist had appeared. Barbet, who was never at a loss, made the + consoling remark that breakfasts at restaurants were like funerals, where, + as every one knew, eleven o’clock meant mid-day. + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, shortly before that hour, two gentlemen, with pointed beards, + exhaling a strong odor of tobacco, made their appearance. Thuillier + thanked them effusively for the “honor” they had done him; after which + came another long period of waiting, of which we shall not relate the + tortures. At one o’clock the assembled contingent comprised five of the + invited guests, Barbet and la Peyrade not included. It is scarcely + necessary to say that none of the self-respecting journalists of the + better papers had taken any notice of the absurd invitation. + </p> + <p> + Breakfast now had to be served to this reduced number. A few polite + phrases that reached Thuillier’s ears about the “immense” interest of his + publication, failed to blind him to the bitterness of his discomfiture; + and without the gaiety of the publisher, who had taken in hand the reins + his patron, gloomy as Hippolytus on the road to Mycenae, let fall, nothing + could have surpassed the glum and glacial coldness of the meeting. + </p> + <p> + After the oysters were removed, the champagne and chablis which had washed + them down had begun, nevertheless, to raise the thermometer, when, rushing + into the room where the banquet was taking place, a young man in a cap + conveyed to Thuillier a most unexpected and crushing blow. + </p> + <p> + “Master,” said the new-comer to Barbet (he was a clerk in the bookseller’s + shop), “we are done for! The police have made a raid upon us; a commissary + and two men have come to seize monsieur’s pamphlet. Here’s a paper they + have given me for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at that,” said Barbet, handing the document to la Peyrade, his + customary assurance beginning to forsake him. + </p> + <p> + “A summons to appear at once before the court of assizes,” said la + Peyrade, after reading a few lines of the sheriff’s scrawl. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier had turned as pale as death. + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you fulfil all the necessary formalities?” he said to Barbet, in a + choking voice. + </p> + <p> + “This is not a matter of formalities,” said la Peyrade, “it is a seizure + for what is called press misdemeanor, exciting contempt and hatred of the + government; you probably have the same sort of compliment awaiting you at + home, my poor Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is treachery!” cried Thuillier, losing his head completely. + </p> + <p> + “Hang it, my dear fellow! you know very well what you put in your + pamphlet; for my part, I don’t see anything worth whipping a cat for.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s some misunderstanding,” said Barbet, recovering courage; “it will + all be explained, and the result will be a fine cause of complaint—won’t + it, messieurs?” + </p> + <p> + “Waiter, pens and ink!” cried one of the journalists thus appealed to. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! you’ll have time to write your article later,” said another of + the brotherhood; “what has a bombshell to do with this ‘filet saute’?” + </p> + <p> + That, of course, was a parody on the famous speech of Charles XII., King + of Sweden, when a shot interrupted him while dictating to a secretary. + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs,” said Thuillier, rising, “I am sure you will excuse me for + leaving you. If, as Monsieur Barbet thinks, there is some + misunderstanding, it ought to be explained at once; I must therefore, with + your permission, go to the police court. La Peyrade,” he added in a + significant tone, “you will not refuse, I presume, to accompany me. And + you, my dear publisher, you would do well to come too.” + </p> + <p> + “No, faith!” said Barbet, “when I breakfast, I breakfast; if the police + have committed a blunder, so much the worse for them.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose the matter is serious?” cried Thuillier, in great agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I should say, what is perfectly true, that I had never read a line + of your pamphlet. One thing is very annoying; those damned juries hate + beards, and I must cut off mine if I’m compelled to appear in court.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, my dear amphitryon, sit down again,” said the editor of the “Echo + de la Bievre,” “we’ll stand by you; I’ve already written an article in my + head which will stir up all the tanners in Paris; and, let me tell you, + that honorable corporation is a power.” + </p> + <p> + “No, monsieur,” replied Thuillier, “no; a man like me cannot rest an hour + under such an accusation as this. Continue your breakfast without us; I + hope soon to see you again. La Peyrade, are you coming?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s charming, isn’t he?” said Barbet, when Thuillier and his counsel had + left the room. “To ask me to leave a breakfast after the oysters, and go + and talk with the police! Come, messieurs, close up the ranks,” he added, + gaily. + </p> + <p> + “Tiens!” said one of the hungry journalists, who had cast his eyes into + the garden of the Palais-Royal, on which the dining-room of the restaurant + opened, “there’s Barbanchu going by; suppose I call him in?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly,” said Barbet junior, “have him up.” + </p> + <p> + “Barbanchu! Barbanchu!” called out the journalist. + </p> + <p> + Barbanchu, his hat being over his eyes, was some time in discovering the + cloud above him whence the voice proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “Here, up here!” called the voice, which seemed to Barbanchu celestial + when he saw himself hailed by a man with a glass of champagne in his hand. + Then, as he seemed to hesitate, the party above called out in chorus:— + </p> + <p> + “Come up! come up! <i>There’s fat to be had</i>!” + </p> + <p> + When Thuillier left the office of the public prosecutor he could no longer + have any illusions. The case against him was serious, and the stern manner + in which he had been received made him see that when the trial came up he + would be treated without mercy. Then, as always happens among accomplices + after the non-success of an affair they have done in common, he turned + upon la Peyrade in the sharpest manner: La Peyrade had paid no attention + to what he wrote; he had given full swing to his stupid Saint-Simonian + ideas; <i>he</i> didn’t care for the consequences; it was not <i>he</i> + who would have to pay the fine and go to prison! Then, when la Peyrade + answered that the matter did not look to him serious, and he expected to + get a verdict of acquittal without difficulty, Thuillier burst forth upon + him, vehemently:— + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! the thing is plain enough; monsieur sees nothing in it? Well, I + shall not put my honor and my fortune into the hands of a little upstart + like yourself; I shall take some great lawyer if the case comes to trial. + I’ve had enough of your collaboration by this time.” + </p> + <p> + Under the injustice of these remarks la Peyrade felt his anger rising. + However, he saw himself disarmed, and not wishing to come to an open + rupture, he parted from Thuillier, saying that he forgave a man excited by + fear, and would go to see him later in the afternoon, when he would + probably be calmer; they could then decide on what steps they had better + take. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, about four o’clock, the Provencal arrived at the house in the + Place de la Madeleine. Thuillier’s irritation was quieted, but frightful + consternation had taken its place. If the executioner were coming in half + an hour to lead him to the scaffold he could not have been more utterly + unstrung and woe-begone. When la Peyrade entered Madame Thuillier was + trying to make him take an infusion of linden-leaves. The poor woman had + come out of her usual apathy, and proved herself, beside the present + Sabinus, another Eponina. + </p> + <p> + As for Brigitte, who presently appeared, bearing a foot-bath, she had no + mercy or restraint towards Theodose; her sharp and bitter reproaches, + which were out of all proportion to the fault, even supposing him to have + committed one would have driven a man of the most placid temperament + beside himself. La Peyrade felt that all was lost to him in the Thuillier + household, where they now seemed to seize with joy the occasion to break + their word to him and to give free rein to revolting ingratitude. On an + ironical allusion by Brigitte to the manner in which he decorated his + friends, la Peyrade rose and took leave, without any effort being made to + retain him. + </p> + <p> + After walking about the streets for awhile, la Peyrade, in the midst of + his indignation, turned to thoughts of Madame de Godollo, whose image, to + tell the truth, had been much in his mind since their former interview. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. ‘TWAS THUS THEY BADE ADIEU + </h2> + <p> + Not only once when the countess met the barrister at the Thuilliers had + she left the room; but the same performance took place at each of their + encounters; and la Peyrade had convinced himself, without knowing exactly + why, that in each case, this affectation of avoiding him, signified + something that was not indifference. To have paid her another visit + immediately would certainly have been very unskilful; but now a sufficient + time had elapsed to prove him to be a man who was master of himself. + Accordingly, he returned upon his steps to the Boulevard de la Madeleine, + and without asking the porter if the countess was at home, he passed the + lodge as if returning to the Thuilliers’, and rang the bell of the + entresol. + </p> + <p> + The maid who opened the door asked him, as before, to wait until she + notified her mistress; but, on this occasion, instead of showing him into + the dining-room, she ushered him into a little room arranged as a library. + </p> + <p> + He waited long, and knew not what to think of the delay. Still, he + reassured himself with the thought that if she meant to dismiss him he + would not have been asked to wait at all. Finally the maid reappeared, but + even then it was not to introduce him. + </p> + <p> + “Madame la comtesse,” said the woman, “was engaged on a matter of + business, but she begged monsieur be so kind as to wait, and to amuse + himself with the books in the library, because she might be detained + longer than she expected.” + </p> + <p> + The excuse, both in form and substance, was certainly not discouraging, + and la Peyrade looked about him to fulfil the behest to amuse himself. + Without opening any of the carved rosewood bookcases, which enclosed a + collection of the most elegantly bound volumes he had ever laid his eyes + upon, he saw on an oblong table with claw feet a pell-mell of books + sufficient for the amusement of a man whose attention was keenly alive + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + But, as he opened one after another of the various volumes, he began to + fancy that a feast of Tantalus had been provided for him: one book was + English, another German, a third Russian; there was even one in cabalistic + letters that seemed Turkish. Was this a polyglottic joke the countess had + arranged for him? + </p> + <p> + One volume, however, claimed particular attention. The binding, unlike + those of the other books, was less rich than dainty. Lying by itself at a + corner of the table, it was open, with the back turned up, the edges of + the leaves resting on the green table-cloth in the shape of a tent. La + Peyrade took it up, being careful not to lose the page which it seemed to + have been some one’s intention to mark. It proved to be a volume of the + illustrated edition of Monsieur Scribe’s works. The engraving which + presented itself on the open page to la Peyrade’s eyes, was entitled “The + Hatred of a Woman”; the principal personage of which is a young widow, + desperately pursuing a poor young man who cannot help himself. There is + hatred all round. Through her devilries she almost makes him lose his + reputation, and does make him miss a rich marriage; but the end is that + she gives him more than she took away from him, and makes a husband of the + man who was thought her victim. + </p> + <p> + If chance had put this volume apart from the rest, and had left it open at + the precise page where la Peyrade found it marked, it must be owned that, + after what had passed between himself and the countess, chance can + sometimes seem clever and adroit. As he stood there, thinking over the + significance which this more or less accidental combination might have, la + Peyrade read through a number of scenes to see whether in the details as + well as the general whole they applied to the present situation. While + thus employed, the sound of an opening door was heard, and he recognized + the silvery and slightly drawling voice of the countess, who was evidently + accompanying some visitor to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Then I may promise the ambassadress,” said a man’s voice, “that you will + honor her ball with your presence?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, commander, if my headache, which is just beginning to get a little + better, is kind enough to go away.” + </p> + <p> + “Au revoir, then, fairest lady,” said the gentleman. After which the doors + were closed, and silence reigned once more. + </p> + <p> + The title of commander reassured la Peyrade somewhat, for it was not the + rank of a young dandy. He was nevertheless curious to know who this + personage was with whom the countess had been shut up so long. Hearing no + one approach the room he was in, he went to the window and opened the + curtain cautiously, prepared to let it drop back at the slightest noise, + and to make a quick right-about-face to avoid being caught, “flagrante + delicto,” in curiosity. An elegant coupe, standing at a little distance, + was now driven up to the house, a footman in showy livery hastened to open + the door, and a little old man, with a light and jaunty movement, though + it was evident he was one of those relics of the past who have not yet + abandoned powder, stepped quickly into the carriage, which was then driven + rapidly away. La Peyrade had time to observe on his breast a perfect + string of decorations. This, combined with the powdered hair, was certain + evidence of a diplomatic individual. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade had picked up his book once more, when a bell from the inner + room sounded, quickly followed by the appearance of the maid, who invited + him to follow her. The Provencal took care <i>not</i> to replace the + volume where he found it, and an instant later he entered the presence of + the countess. + </p> + <p> + A pained expression was visible on the handsome face of the foreign + countess, who, however, lost nothing of her charm in the languor that + seemed to overcome her. On the sofa beside her was a manuscript written on + gilt-edged paper, in that large and opulent handwriting which indicates an + official communication from some ministerial office or chancery. She held + in her hand a crystal bottle with a gold stopper, from which she + frequently inhaled the contents, and a strong odor of English vinegar + pervaded the salon. + </p> + <p> + “I fear you are ill, madame,” said la Peyrade, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it is nothing,” replied the countess; “only a headache, to which I am + very subject. But you, monsieur, what has become of you? I was beginning + to lose all hope of ever seeing you again. Have you come to announce to me + some great news? The period of your marriage with Mademoiselle Colleville + is probably so near that I think you can speak of it.” + </p> + <p> + This opening disconcerted la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “But, madame,” he answered, in a tone that was almost tart, “you, it seems + to me, must know too well everything that goes on in the Thuillier + household not to be aware that the event you speak of is not approaching, + and, I may add, not probable.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I assure you, I know nothing; I have strictly forbidden myself from + taking any further interest in an affair which I felt I had meddled with + very foolishly. Mademoiselle Brigitte and I talk of everything except + Celeste’s marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is no doubt the desire to allow me perfect freedom in the matter + that induces you to take flight whenever I have the honor to meet you in + the Thuillier salon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the countess, “that ought to be the reason that makes me leave + the room; else, why should I be so distant?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! madame, there are other reasons that might make a woman avoid a man’s + presence. For instance, if he has displeased her; if the advice, given to + him with rare wisdom and kindness, was not received with proper eagerness + and gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear monsieur,” she replied, “I have no such ardor in + proselytizing that I am angry with those who are not docile to my advice. + I am, like others, very apt to make mistakes.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, madame, in the matter of my marriage your judgment was + perfectly correct.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” said the countess, eagerly. “Has the seizure of the pamphlet, + coming directly after the failure to obtain the cross, led to a rupture?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said la Peyrade, “my influence in the Thuillier household rests on a + solid basis; the services I have rendered Mademoiselle Brigitte and her + brother outweigh these checks, which, after all, are not irreparable.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think so?” said the countess. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied la Peyrade; “when the Comtesse du Bruel takes it into + her head to seriously obtain that bit of red ribbon, she can do so, in + spite of all obstacles that are put in her way.” + </p> + <p> + The countess received this assertion with a smile, and shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “But, madame, only a day or two ago Madame du Bruel told Madame Colleville + that the unexpected opposition she had met with piqued her, and that she + meant to go in person to the minister.” + </p> + <p> + “But you forget that since then this seizure has been made by the police; + it is not usual to decorate a man who is summoned before the court of + assizes. You seem not to notice that the seizure argues a strong ill-will + against Monsieur Thuillier, and, I may add, against yourself, monsieur, + for you are known to be the culprit. You have not, I think, taken all this + into account. The authorities appear to have acted not wholly from legal + causes.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade looked at the countess. + </p> + <p> + “I must own,” he said, after that rapid glance, “that I have tried in vain + to find any passage in that pamphlet which could be made a legal pretext + for the seizure.” + </p> + <p> + “In my opinion,” said the countess, “the king’s servants must have a vivid + imagination to persuade themselves they were dealing with a seditious + publication. But that only proves the strength of the underground power + which is thwarting all your good intentions in favor of Monsieur + Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said la Peyrade, “do you know our secret enemies?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I do,” replied the countess, with another smile. + </p> + <p> + “May I dare to utter a suspicion, madame?” said la Peyrade, with some + agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, say what you think,” replied Madame de Godollo. “I shall not blame + you if you guess right.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, madame, our enemies, Thuillier’s and mine, are—a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Supposing that is so,” said the countess; “do you know how many lines + Richelieu required from a man’s hand in order to hang him?” + </p> + <p> + “Four,” replied la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “You can imagine, then, that a pamphlet of two hundred pages might afford + a—slightly intriguing woman sufficient ground for persecution.” + </p> + <p> + “I see it all, madame, I understand it!” cried la Peyrade, with animation. + “I believe that woman to be one of the elite of her sex, with as much mind + and malice as Richelieu! Adorable magician! it is she who has set in + motion the police and the gendarmes; but, more than that, it is she who + withholds that cross the ministers were about to give.” + </p> + <p> + “If that be so,” said the countess, “why struggle against her?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I struggle no longer,” said la Peyrade. Then, with an assumed air of + contrition, he added, “You must, indeed, <i>hate</i> me, madame.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite as much as you may think,” replied the countess; “but, after + all, suppose that I do hate you?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! madame,” cried la Peyrade, ardently, “I should then be the happiest + of unhappy men; for that hatred would seem to me sweeter and more precious + than your indifference. But you do not hate me; why should you feel to me + that most blessed feminine sentiment which Scribe has depicted with such + delicacy and wit?” + </p> + <p> + Madame de Godollo did not answer immediately. She lowered her eyelids, and + the deeper breathing of her bosom gave to her voice when she did speak a + tremulous tone:— + </p> + <p> + “The hatred of a woman!” she said. “Is a man of your stoicism able to + perceive it?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes, madame,” replied la Peyrade, “I do indeed perceive it, but not + to revolt against it; on the contrary, I bless the harshness that deigns + to hurt me. Now that I know my beautiful and avowed enemy, I shall not + despair of touching her heart; for never again will I follow any road but + the one that she points out to me, never will I march under any banner but + hers. I shall wait—for her inspiration, to think; for her will, to + will; for her commands, to act. In all things I will be her auxiliary,—more + than that, her slave; and if she still repulses me with that dainty foot, + that snowy hand, I will bear it resignedly, asking, in return for such + obedience one only favor,—that of kissing the foot that spurns me, + of bathing with tears the hand that threatens me.” + </p> + <p> + During this long cry of the excited heart, which the joy of triumph wrung + from a nature so nervous and impressionable as that of the Provencal, he + had slidden from his chair, and now knelt with one knee on the ground + beside the countess, in the conventional attitude of the stage, which is, + however, much more common in real life than people suppose. + </p> + <p> + “Rise, monsieur,” said the countess, “and be so good as to answer me.” + Then, giving him a questioning look from beneath her beautiful frowning + brows, she continued: “Have you well-weighed the outcome of the words you + have just uttered? Have you measured the full extent of your pledge, and + its depth? With your hand on your heart and on your conscience, are you a + man to fulfil those words? Or are you one of the falsely humble and + perfidious men who throw themselves at our feet only to make us lose the + balance of our will and our reason?” + </p> + <p> + “I!” exclaimed la Peyrade; “never can I react against the fascination you + have wielded over me from the moment of our first interview! Ah! madame, + the more I have resisted, the more I have struggled, the more you ought to + trust in my sincerity and its tardy expression. What I have said, I think; + that which I think aloud to-day I have thought in my soul since the hour + when I first had the honor of admittance to you; and the many days I have + passed in struggling against this allurement have ended in giving me a + firm and deliberate will, which understands itself, and is not cast down + by your severity.” + </p> + <p> + “Severity?” said the countess; “possibly. But you ought to think of the + kindness too. Question yourself carefully. We foreign women do not + understand the careless ease with which a Frenchwoman enters upon a solemn + engagement. To us, our <i>yes</i> is sacred; our word is a bond. We do and + we will nothing by halves. The arms of my family bear a motto which seems + significant under the present circumstances,—‘All or Nothing’; that + is saying much, and yet, perhaps, not enough.” + </p> + <p> + “That is how I understand my pledge,” replied la Peyrade; “and on leaving + this room my first step will be to break with that ignoble past which for + an instant I seemed to hold in the balance against the intoxicating future + you do not forbid me to expect.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the countess, “do it calmly and advisedly; I do not like rash + conduct; you will not please me by taking open steps. These Thuilliers are + not really bad at heart; they humiliated you without knowing that they did + so; their world is not yours. Is that their fault? Loosen the tie between + you, but do not violently break it. And, above all, reflect. Your + conversion to my beliefs is of recent date. What man is certain of what + his heart will say to him to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said la Peyrade, “I am that man. We men of Southern blood do not + love as you say a Frenchwoman loves.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the countess, with a charming smile, “I thought it was hatred + we were talking of.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madame,” cried the barrister, “explained and understood as it has + been, that word is still a thing that hurts me. Tell me rather, not that + you love me, but that the words you deigned to say to me at our first + interview were indeed the expression of your thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” said the countess, dwelling on the word; “one of your + moralists has said: ‘There are persons who say, <i>that is</i> or <i>that + is not</i>.’ Do me the favor to count me among such persons.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she held out her hand to her suitor with a charming gesture of + modesty and grace. La Peyrade, quite beside himself, darted upon that + beautiful hand and devoured it with kisses. + </p> + <p> + “Enough, child!” said the countess, gently freeing her imprisoned fingers; + “adieu now, soon to meet again! Adieu! My headache, I think, has + disappeared.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade picked up his hat, and seemed about to rush from the apartment; + but at the door he turned and cast upon the handsome creature a look of + tenderness. The countess made him, with her head, a graceful gesture of + adieu; then, seeing that la Peyrade was inclined to return to her, she + raised her forefinger as a warning to control himself and go. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade turned and left the apartment. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. HOW TO SHUT THE DOOR IN PEOPLE’S FACES + </h2> + <p> + On the staircase la Peyrade stopped to exhale, if we may so express it, + the happiness of which his heart was full. The words of the countess, the + ingenious preparation she had made to put him on the track of her + sentiments, seemed to him the guarantee of her sincerity, and he left her + full of faith. + </p> + <p> + Possessed by that intoxication of happy persons which shows itself in + their gestures, their looks, their very gait, and sometimes in actions not + authorized by their common-sense, after pausing a moment, as we have said, + on the staircase, he ran up a few steps till he could see the door of the + Thuilliers’ apartment. + </p> + <p> + “At last!” he cried, “fame, fortune, happiness have come to me; but, above + all, I can now give myself the joy of vengeance. After Dutocq and Cerizet, + I will crush <i>you</i>, vile bourgeois brood!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he shook his fist at the innocent door. Then he turned and ran + out; the popular saying that the earth could not hold him, was true at + that moment of his being. + </p> + <p> + The next day, for he could not restrain any longer the tempest that was + swelling within him, la Peyrade went to see Thuillier in the bitterest and + most hostile of moods. What was therefore his amazement when, before he + had time to put himself on guard and stop the demonstration of union and + oblivion, Thuillier flung himself into his arms. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” cried the municipal councillor, as he loosened his clasp, “my + political fortune is made; this morning all the newspapers, without + exception, have spoken of the seizure of my pamphlet; and you ought to see + how the opposition sheets have mauled the government.” + </p> + <p> + “Simple enough,” said la Peyrade, not moved by this enthusiasm; “you are a + topic for them, that’s all. But this does not alter the situation; the + prosecution will be only the more determined to have you condemned.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Thuillier, proudly raising his head, “I will go to + prison, like Beranger, like Lamennais, like Armand Carrel.” + </p> + <p> + “My good fellow, persecution is charming at a distance; but when you hear + the big bolts run upon you, you may be sure you won’t like it as well.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” objected Thuillier, “prisoners condemned for political offences are + always allowed to do their time in hospital if they like. Besides, I’m not + yet convicted. You said yourself you expected to get me acquitted.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but since then I have heard things which make that result very + doubtful; the same hand that withheld your cross has seized your pamphlet; + you are being murdered with premeditation.” + </p> + <p> + “If you know who that dangerous enemy is,” said Thuillier, “you can’t + refuse to point him out to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know him,” replied la Peyrade; “I only suspect him. This is what + you get by playing too shrewd a game.” + </p> + <p> + “Playing a shrewd game!” said Thuillier, with the curiosity of a man who + is perfectly aware that he has nothing of that kind on his conscience. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, “you made a sort of decoy of Celeste to attract + young bloods to your salon. All the world has not the forbearance of + Monsieur Godeschal, who forgave his rejection and generously managed that + affair about the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Explain yourself better,” said Thuillier, “for I don’t see what you + mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is easier to understand. Without counting me, how many suitors + have you had for Mademoiselle Colleville? Godeschal, Minard junior, + Phellion junior, Olivier Vinet, the substitute judge,—all men who + have been sent about their business, as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Olivier Vinet, the substitute judge!” cried Thuillier, struck with a + flash of light. “Of course; the blow must have come from him. His father, + they say, has a long arm. But it can’t be truly said that we sent him + about his business,—to use your expression, which strikes me as + indecorous,—for he never came to the house but once, and made no + offer; neither did Minard junior or Phellion junior, for that matter. + Godeschal is the only one who risked a direct proposal, and he was refused + at once, before he dipped his beak in the water.” + </p> + <p> + “It is always so!” said la Peyrade, still looking for a ground of quarrel. + “Straightforward and outspoken persons are always those that sly men boast + of fooling.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca! what’s all this?” said Thuillier; “what are you insinuating? + Didn’t you settle everything with Brigitte the other day? You take a + pretty time to come and talk to me about your love-affairs, when the sword + of justice is hanging over my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said la Peyrade, ironically; “so now you are going to make the most + of your interesting position of accused person! I knew very well how it + would be; I was certain that as soon as your pamphlet appeared the old cry + of not getting what you expected out of me would come up.” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! your pamphlet!” cried Thuillier. “I think you are a fine fellow + to boast of that when, on the contrary, it has caused the most deplorable + complications.” + </p> + <p> + “Deplorable? how so? you have just said your political fortune was made.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, truly, my dear Theodose,” said Thuillier, with feeling, “I should + never have thought that you would choose the hour of adversity to come and + put your pistol at our throats and make me the object of your sneers and + innuendoes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well done!” said la Peyrade; “now it is the hour of adversity! A minute + ago you were flinging yourself into my arms as a man to whom some signal + piece of luck had happened. You ought really to choose decidedly between + being a man who needs pity and a glorious victor.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all very well to be witty,” returned Thuillier; “but you can’t + controvert what I say. I am logical, if I am not brilliant. It is very + natural that I should console myself by seeing that public opinion decides + in my favor, and by reading in its organs the most honorable assurances of + sympathy; but do you suppose I wouldn’t rather that things had taken their + natural course? Besides, when I see myself the object of unworthy + vengeance on the part of persons as influential as the Vinets, how can I + help measuring the extent of the dangers to which I am exposed?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, with pitiless persistency, “I see that you prefer + to play the part of Jeremiah.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Thuillier, in a solemn tone. “Jeremiah laments over a + friendship I did think true and devoted, but which I find has only + sarcasms to give me when I looked for services.” + </p> + <p> + “What services?” asked la Peyrade. “Did you not tell me positively, no + later than yesterday, that you would not accept my help under any form + whatever? I offered to plead your case, and you answered that you would + take a better lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; in the first shock of surprise at such an unexpected blow, I did say + that foolish thing; but, on reflection, who can explain as well as you can + the intention of the words you wrote with your own pen? Yesterday I was + almost out of my mind; but you, with your wounded self-love, which can’t + forgive a momentary impatience, you are very caustic and cruel.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said la Peyrade, “you formally request me to defend you before the + jury?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear fellow; and I don’t know any other hands in which I could + better place my case. I should have to pay a monstrous sum to some great + legal luminary, and he wouldn’t defend me as ably as you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I refuse. Roles have changed, as you see, diametrically. Yesterday, + I thought, as you do, that I was the man to defend you. To-day, I see that + you had better take the legal luminary, because, with Vinet’s antagonism + against you the affair is taking such proportions that whoever defends it + assumes a fearful responsibility.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” said Thuillier, sarcastically. “Monsieur has his eye on + the magistracy, and he doesn’t want to quarrel with a man who is already + talked of for Keeper of the Seals. It is prudent, but I don’t know that it + is going to help on your marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean,” said la Peyrade, seizing the ball in its bound, “that to get + you out of the claws of that jury is a thirteenth labor of Hercules, + imposed upon me to earn the hand of Mademoiselle Colleville? I expected + that demands would multiply in proportion to the proofs of my devotion. + But that is the very thing that has worn me out, and I have come here + to-day to put an end to this slave labor by giving back to you your + pledges. You may dispose of Celeste’s hand; for my part, I am no longer a + suitor for it.” + </p> + <p> + The unexpectedness and squareness of this declaration left Thuillier + without words or voice, all the more because at this moment entered + Brigitte. The temper of the old maid had also greatly moderated since the + previous evening, and her greeting was full of the most amicable + familiarity. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! so here you are, you good old barrister,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle, your servant,” he replied, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she continued, paying no attention to the stiffness of his manner, + “the government has got itself into a pretty mess by seizing your + pamphlet. You ought to see how the morning papers lash it! Here,” she + added, giving Thuillier a small sheet printed on sugar-paper, in coarse + type, and almost illegible,—“here’s another, you didn’t read; the + porter has just brought it up. It is a paper from our old quarter, ‘L’Echo + de la Bievre.’ I don’t know, gentlemen, if you’ll be of my opinion, but I + think nothing could be better written. It is droll, though, how + inattentive these journalists are! most of them write your name without + the H; I think you ought to complain of it.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier took the paper, and read the article inspired to the reviewer of + the tanner’s organ by stomach gratitude. Never in her life had Brigitte + paid the slightest attention to a newspaper, except to know if it was the + right size for the packages she wrapped up in it; but now, suddenly, + converted to a worship of the press by the ardor of her sisterly love, she + stood behind Thuillier and re-read, over his shoulder, the more striking + passages of the page she thought so eloquent, pointing her finger to them. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Thuillier, folding up the paper, “that’s warm, and very + flattering to me. But here’s another matter! Monsieur has come to tell me + that he refuses to plead for me, and renounces all claim to Celeste’s + hand.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to say,” said Brigitte, “he renounces her if, after having + pleaded, the marriage does not take place ‘subito.’ Well, poor fellow, I + think that’s a reasonable demand. When he has done that for us there ought + to be no further delay; and whether Mademoiselle Celeste likes it or not, + she must accept him, because, you know, there’s an end to all things.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear that, my good fellow?” said la Peyrade, seizing upon + Brigitte’s speech. “When I have pleaded, the marriage is to take place. + Your sister is frankness itself; she, at least, doesn’t practise + diplomacy.” + </p> + <p> + “Diplomacy!” echoed Brigitte. “I’d like to see myself creeping underground + in matters. I say things as I think them. The workman has worked, and he + ought to have his pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Do be silent,” cried Thuillier, stamping his foot; “you don’t say a word + that doesn’t turn the knife in the wound.” + </p> + <p> + “The knife in the wound?” said Brigitte, inquiringly. “Ah ca! are you two + quarrelling?” + </p> + <p> + “I told you,” said Thuillier, “that la Peyrade had returned our promises; + and the reason he gives is that we are asking him another service for + Celeste’s hand. He thinks he has done us enough without it.” + </p> + <p> + “He has done us some services, no doubt,” said Brigitte; “but it seems to + me that we have not been ungrateful to him. Besides, it was he who made + the blunder, and I think it rather odd he should now wish to leave us in + the lurch.” + </p> + <p> + “Your reasoning, mademoiselle,” said la Peyrade, “might have some + appearance of justice if I were the only barrister in Paris; but as the + streets are black with them, and as, only yesterday, Thuillier himself + spoke of engaging some more important lawyer than myself, I have not the + slightest scruple in refusing to defend him. Now, as to the marriage, in + order that it may not be made the object of another brutal and forcible + demand upon me, I here renounce it in the most formal manner, and nothing + now prevents Mademoiselle Colleville from accepting Monsieur Felix + Phellion and all his advantages.” + </p> + <p> + “As you please, my dear monsieur,” said Brigitte, “if that’s your last + word. We shall not be at a loss to find a husband for Celeste,—Felix + Phellion or another. But you must permit me to tell you that the reason + you give is not the true one. We can’t go faster than the fiddles. If the + marriage were settled to-day, there are the banns to publish; you have + sense enough to know that Monsieur le maire can’t marry you before the + formalities are complied with, and before then Thuillier’s case will have + been tried.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, “and if I lose the case it will be I who have sent + him to prison,—just as yesterday it was I who brought about the + seizure.” + </p> + <p> + “As for that, it seems to me that if you had written nothing the police + would have found nothing to bite.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Brigitte,” said Thuillier, seeing la Peyrade shrug his shoulders, + “your argument is vicious in the sense that the writing was not + incriminating on any side. It is not la Peyrade’s fault if persons of high + station have organized a persecution against me. You remember that little + substitute, Monsieur Olivier Vinet, whom Cardot brought to one of our + receptions. It seems that he and his father are furious that we didn’t + want him for Celeste, and they’ve sworn my destruction.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, why did we refuse him,” said Brigitte, “if it wasn’t for the fine + eyes of monsieur here? For, after all, a substitute in Paris is a very + suitable match.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt,” said la Peyrade, nonchalantly. “Only, he did not happen to + bring you a million.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried Brigitte, firing up. “If you are going to talk any more about + that house you helped us to buy, I shall tell you plainly that if you had + had the money to trick the notary you never would have come after us. You + needn’t think I have been altogether your dupe. You spoke just now of a + bargain, but you proposed that bargain yourself. ‘Give me Celeste and I’ll + get you that house,’—that’s what you said to us in so many words. + Besides which, we had to pay large sums on which we never counted.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Brigitte,” said Thuillier, “you are making a great deal out + of nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! nothing!” exclaimed Brigitte. “Did we, or did we not, have to + pay much more than we expected?” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Thuillier,” said la Peyrade, “I think, with you, that the matter + is now settled, and it can only be embittered by discussing it further. My + course was decided on before I came here; all that I have now heard can + only confirm it. I shall not be the husband of Celeste, but you and I can + remain good friends.” + </p> + <p> + He rose to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + “One moment, monsieur,” said Brigitte, barring his way; “there is one + matter which I do not consider settled; and now that we are no longer to + have interests in common, I should not be sorry if you would be so good as + to tell me what has become of a sum of ten thousand francs which Thuillier + gave you to bribe those rascally government offices in order to get the + cross we have never got.” + </p> + <p> + “Brigitte!” cried Thuillier, in anguish, “you have a devil of a tongue! + You ought to be silent about that; I told it to you in a moment of + ill-temper, and you promised me faithfully never to open your lips about + it to any one, no matter who.” + </p> + <p> + “So I did; but,” replied the implacable Brigitte, “we are parting. When + people part they settle up; they pay their debts. Ten thousand francs! For + my part, I thought the cross itself dear at that; but for a cross that has + melted away, monsieur himself will allow the price is too high.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, la Peyrade, my friend, don’t listen to her,” said Thuillier, going + up to the barrister, who was pale with anger. “The affection she has for + me blinds her; I know very well what government offices are, and I + shouldn’t be surprised if you had had to pay out money of your own.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said la Peyrade, “I am, unfortunately, not in a position to + return to you, instantly, that money, an accounting for which is so + insolently demanded. Grant me a short delay; and have the goodness to + accept my note, which I am ready to sign, if that will give you patience.” + </p> + <p> + “To the devil with your note!” cried Thuillier; “you owe me nothing; on + the contrary, it is we who owe you; for Cardot told me I ought to give you + at least ten thousand francs for enabling us to buy this magnificent + property.” + </p> + <p> + “Cardot! Cardot!” said Brigitte; “he is very generous with other people’s + money. We were giving monsieur Celeste, and that’s a good deal more than + ten thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was too great a comedian not to turn the humiliation he had + just endured into a scene finale. With tears in his voice, which presently + fell from his eyes, he turned to Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle,” he said, “when I had the honor to be received by you I was + poor; you long saw me suffering and ill at ease, knowing, alas! too well, + the indignities that poverty must bear. From the day that I was able to + give you a fortune which I never thought of for myself I have felt, it is + true, more assurance; and your own kindness encouraged me to rise out of + my timidity and depression. To-day, when I, by frank and loyal conduct, + release you from anxiety,—for, if you chose to be honest, you would + acknowledge that you have been thinking of another husband for Celeste,—we + might still remain friends, even though I renounce a marriage which my + delicacy forbids me to pursue. But you have not chosen to restrain + yourself with the limits of social politeness, of which you have a model + beside you in Madame de Godollo, who, I am persuaded, although she is not + at all friendly to me, would never have approved of your odious behavior. + Thank Heaven! I have in my heart some religious sentiment at least; the + Gospel is not to me a mere dead-letter, and—understand me well, + mademoiselle—<i>I forgive you</i>. It is not to Thuillier, who would + refuse them, but to you that I shall, before long, pay the ten thousand + francs which you insinuate I have applied to my own purposes. If, by the + time they are returned to you, you feel regret for your unjust suspicions, + and are unwilling to accept the money, I request that you will turn it + over to the bureau of Benevolence to the poor—” + </p> + <p> + “To the bureau of Benevolence!” cried Brigitte, interrupting him. “No, I + thank you! the idea of all that money being distributed among a crowd of + do-nothings and devotes, who’ll spend it in junketing! I’ve been poor too, + my lad; I made bags for the money of others long before I had any money of + my own; I have some now, and I take care of it. So, whenever you will, I + am ready to receive that ten thousand francs and keep it. If you didn’t + know how to do what you undertook to do, and spent that money in trying to + put salt on a sparrow’s tail, so much the worse for you.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that he had missed his effect, and had made not the slightest + impression on Brigitte’s granite, la Peyrade cast a disdainful look upon + her and left the room majestically. As he did so he noticed a movement + made by Thuillier to follow him, and also the imperious gesture of + Brigitte, always queen and mistress, which nailed her brother to his + chair. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <p> + At the moment when la Peyrade was preparing to lay at the feet of the + countess the liberty he had recovered in so brutal a manner, he received a + perfumed note, which made his heart beat, for on the seal was that + momentous “All or Nothing” which she had given him as the rule of the + relation now to be inaugurated between them. The contents of the note were + as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Monsieur,—I have heard of the step you have taken; thank + you! But I must now prepare to take my own. I cannot, as you may + well think, continue to live in this house, and among these people + who are so little of our own class and with whom we have nothing + in common. To arrange this transaction, and to avoid explanations + of the fact that the entresol welcomes the voluntary exile from + the first-floor, I need to-day and to-morrow to myself. Do not + therefore come to see me until the day after. By that time I shall + have executed Brigitte, as they say at the Bourse, and have much + to tell you. +</pre> + <p> + Tua tota, + </p> + <p> + Torna de Godollo. + </p> + <p> + That “Wholly thine” in Latin seemed charming to la Peyrade, who was not, + however, astonished, for Latin is a second national language to the + Hungarians. The two days’ waiting to which he was thus condemned only + fanned the flame of the ardent passion which possessed him, and on the + third day when reached the house by the Madeleine his love had risen to a + degree of incandescence of which only a few days earlier he would scarcely + have supposed himself capable. + </p> + <p> + This time the porter’s wife perceived him; but he was now quite + indifferent as to whether or not the object of his visit should be known. + The ice was broken, his happiness was soon to be official, and he was more + disposed to cry it aloud in the streets than to make a mystery of it. + </p> + <p> + Running lightly up the stairs, he prepared to ring the bell, when, on + putting out his hand to reach the silken bell-cord he perceived that the + bell-cord had disappeared. La Peyrade’s first thought was that one of + those serious illnesses which make all noises intolerable to a patient + would explain its absence; but with the thought came other observations + that weakened it, and which, moreover, were not in themselves comforting. + </p> + <p> + From the vestibule to the countess’s door a stair carpet, held at each + step by a brass rod, made a soft ascent to the feet of visitors; this, + too, had been removed. A screen-door covered with green velvet and studded + with brass nails had hitherto protected the entrance to the apartment; of + that no sign, except the injury to the wall done by the workmen in taking + it away. For a moment the barrister thought, in his agitation, that he + must have mistaken the floor, but, casting his eye over the baluster he + saw that he had not passed the entresol. Madame de Godollo must, + therefore, be in the act of moving away. + </p> + <p> + He then resigned himself to make known his presence at the great lady’s + door as he would have done at that of a grisette. He rapped with his + knuckles, but a hollow sonority revealing the void, “intonuere cavernae,” + echoed beyond the door which he vainly appealed to with his fist. He also + perceived from beneath that door a ray of vivid light, the sure sign of an + uninhabited apartment where curtains and carpets and furniture no longer + dim the light or deaden sound. Compelled to believe in a total removal, la + Peyrade now supposed that in the rupture with Brigitte, mentioned as + probable by Madame de Godollo, some brutal insolence of the old maid had + necessitated this abrupt departure. But why had he not been told of it? + And what an idea, to expose him to this ridiculous meeting with what the + common people call, in their picturesque language, “the wooden face”! + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the door finally, and as if some doubt still remained in + his mind, la Peyrade made a last and most thundering assault upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Who’s knocking like that, as if they’d bring the house down?” said the + porter, attracted by the noise to the foot of the staircase. + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t Madame de Godollo still live here?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Of course she doesn’t live here now; she has moved away. If monsieur had + told me he was going to her apartment I would have spared him the trouble + of battering down the door.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew that she was going to leave the apartment,” said la Peyrade, not + wishing to seem ignorant of the project of departure, “but I had no idea + she was going so soon.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose it was something sudden,” said the porter, “for she went off + early this morning with post-horses.” + </p> + <p> + “Post-horses!” echoed la Peyrade, stupefied. “Then she has left Paris?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s to be supposed,” said the porter; “people don’t usually take + post-horses and a postilion to change from one quarter of Paris to + another.” + </p> + <p> + “And she did not tell you where she was going?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur, what an idea! Do people account to us porters for what they + do?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but her letters—those that come after her departure?” + </p> + <p> + “Her letters? I am ordered to deliver them to Monsieur le commandeur, the + little old gentlemen who came to see her so often; monsieur must have met + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, certainly,” said la Peyrade, keeping his presence of mind in + the midst of the successive shocks which came upon him,—“the powered + little man who was here every day.” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn’t say every day; but he came often. Well, I am told to give the + countess’s letters to him.” + </p> + <p> + “And for other persons of her acquaintance,” said la Peyrade, carelessly, + “did she leave no message?” + </p> + <p> + “None, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said la Peyrade, “good-morning.” And he turned to go out. + </p> + <p> + “But I think,” said the porter, “that Mademoiselle Thuillier knows more + about it than I do. Won’t monsieur go up? She is at home; and so is + Monsieur Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “No, never mind,” said la Peyrade, “I only came to tell Madame de Godollo + about a commission she asked me to execute; I haven’t time to stop now.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as I told you, she left with post-horses this morning. Two hours + earlier monsieur might still have found her; but now, with post-horses, + she must by this time have gone a good distance.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade departed, with a sense of despair in his heart. Added to the + anxiety caused by this hasty departure, jealousy entered his soul, and in + this agonizing moment of disappointment the most distressing explanations + crowded on his mind. + </p> + <p> + Then, after further reflection, he said to himself:— + </p> + <p> + “These clever diplomatic women are often sent on secret missions which + require the most absolute silence, and extreme rapidity of movement.” + </p> + <p> + But here a sudden revulsion of thought overcame him:— + </p> + <p> + “Suppose she were one of those intriguing adventurers whom foreign + governments employ as agents? Suppose the tale, more or less probable, of + that Russian princess forced to sell her furniture to Brigitte were also + that of this Hungarian countess? And yet,” he continued, as his brain made + a third evolution in this frightful anarchy of ideas and feelings, “her + education, her manners, her language, all bespoke a woman of the best + position. Besides, if she were only a bird of passage, why have given + herself so much trouble to win me over?” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade might have continued to plead thus for and against for a long + time had he not been suddenly grasped round the shoulders by a strong arm + and addressed in a well-known voice. + </p> + <p> + “Take care! my dear barrister; a frightful danger threatens you; you are + running right into it.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade, thus arrested, looked round and found himself in the arms of + Phellion. + </p> + <p> + The scene took place in front of a house which was being pulled down at + the corner of the rues Duphot and Saint-Honore. Posted on the pavement of + the other side of the street, Phellion, whose taste for watching the + process of building our readers may remember, had been witnessing for the + last fifteen minutes the drama of a wall about to fall beneath the united + efforts of a squadron of workmen. Watch in hand, the great citizen was + estimating the length of the resistance which that mass of freestone would + present to the destructive labor of which it was the object. Precisely at + the crucial moment of the impending catastrophe la Peyrade, lost in the + tumult of his thoughts, was entering, heedless of the shouts addressed to + him on all sides, the radius within which the stones would fall. Seen by + Phellion (who, it must be said, would have done the same for a total + stranger) la Peyrade undoubtedly owed his life to him; for, at the moment + when he was violently flung back by the vigorous grasp of the worthy + citizen, the wall fell with the noise of a cannon-shot, and the stones + rolled in clouds of dust almost to his very feet. + </p> + <p> + “Are you blind and deaf?” said the workman whose business it was to warn + the passers, in a tone of amenity it is easy to imagine. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, my dear friend,” said la Peyrade, recalled to earth. “I should + certainly have been crushed like an idiot if it hadn’t been for you.” + </p> + <p> + And he pressed Phellion’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “My reward,” replied the latter, “lies in the satisfaction of knowing that + you are saved from an imminent peril. And I may say that that satisfaction + is mingled, for me, with a certain pride; for I was not mistaken by a + single second in the calculation which enabled me to foresee the exact + moment when that formidable mass would be displaced from its centre of + gravity. But what were you thinking of, my dear monsieur? Probably of the + plea you are about to make in the Thuillier affair. The public prints have + informed me of the danger of prosecution by the authorities which hangs + above the head of our estimable friend. You have a noble cause to defend, + monsieur. Habituated as I am, through my labors as a member of the reading + committee of the Odeon, to judge of works of intellect, and with my hand + upon my conscience, I declare that after reading the incriminated + passages, I can find nothing in the tone of that pamphlet which justifies + the severe measures of which it is the object. Between ourselves,” added + the great citizen, lowering his voice, “I think the government has shown + itself petty.” + </p> + <p> + “So I think,” said la Peyrade, “but I am not employed for the defence. I + have advised Thuillier to engage some noted lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be good advice,” said Phellion; “at any rate, it speaks well for + your modesty. Poor man! I went to him at once when the blow fell, but I + did not see him; I saw only Brigitte, who was having a discussion with + Madame de Godollo. There is a woman with strong political views; it seems + she predicted that the seizure would be made.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you know that the countess had left Paris?” said la Peyrade, rushing + at the chance of speaking on the subject of his present monomania. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! left Paris, has she?” said Phellion. “Well, monsieur, I must tell you + that, although there was not much sympathy between us, I regard her + departure as a misfortune. She will leave a serious void in the salon of + our friends. I say this, because it is my belief, and I am not in the + habit of disguising my convictions.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, “she is certainly a very distinguished woman, with + whom in spite of her prejudice against me, I think I should have come to + an understanding. But this morning, without leaving any word as to where + she was going, she started suddenly with post-horses.” + </p> + <p> + “Post-horses!” said Phellion. “I don’t know whether you will agree with + me, monsieur, but I think that travelling by post is a most agreeable + method of conveyance. Certainly Louis XI., to whom we owe the institution, + had a fortunate inspiration in the matter; although, on the other hand, + his sanguinary and despotic government was not, to my humble thinking, + entirely devoid of reproach. Once only in my life have I used that method + of locomotion, and I can truly say I found it far superior, in spite of + its inferior relative rapidity, to the headlong course of what in England + are called <i>railways</i>; where speed is attained only at the price of + safety.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade paid but little attention to Phellion’s phraseology. “Where can + she have gone?”—round that idea he dug and delved in every + direction, an occupation that would have made him indifferent to a far + more interesting topic. However, once started, like the locomotive he + objected to, the great citizen went on:— + </p> + <p> + “I made that journey at the period of Madame Phellion’s last confinement. + She was in Perche, with her mother, when I learned that serious + complications were feared from the milk-fever. Overcome with terror at the + danger which threatened my wife, I went instantly to the post-office to + obtain a seat in the mail-coach, but all were taken; I found they had been + engaged for more than a week. Upon that, I came to a decision; I went to + the rue Pigalle, and, for a very large sum in gold a post-chaise and three + horses were placed at my disposal, when unfortunately the formality of a + passport, with which I had neglected to supply myself, and without which, + in virtue of the decrees of the consulate of 17 Nivose, year VII., the + post agents were not permitted to deliver horses to travellers—” + </p> + <p> + The last few words were like a flash of light to la Peyrade, and without + waiting for the end of the postal odyssey of the great citizen, he darted + away in the direction of the rue Pigalle, before Phellion, in the middle + of his sentence, perceived his departure. + </p> + <p> + Reaching the Royal postal establishment, la Peyrade was puzzled as to whom + to address himself in order to obtain the information he wanted. He began + by explaining to the porter that he had a letter to send to a lady of his + acquaintance that morning by post, neglecting, very thoughtlessly, to send + him her address, and that he thought he might discover it by means of the + passport which she must have presented in order to obtain horses. + </p> + <p> + “Was it a lady accompanied by a maid whom I took up on the boulevard de la + Madeleine?” asked a postilion sitting in the corner of the room where la + Peyrade was making his preliminary inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” said la Peyrade, going eagerly up to the providential being, + and slipping a five-franc piece into his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! well, she’s a queer traveller!” said the man, “she told me to take + her to the Bois de Boulogne, and there she made me drive round and round + for an hour. After that, we came back to the Barriere de l’Etoile, where + she gave me a good ‘pourboire’ and got into a hackney coach, telling me to + take the travelling carriage back to the man who lets such carriages in + the Cour des Coches, Faubourg Saint-Honore.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me the name of that man?” said la Peyrade, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Simonin,” replied the postilion. + </p> + <p> + Furnished with that information la Peyrade resumed his course, and fifteen + minutes later he was questioning the livery-stable keeper; but that + individual knew only that a lady residing on the Boulevard de la Madeleine + had hired, without horses, a travelling-carriage for half a day; that he + had sent out the said carriage at nine that morning, and it was brought + back at twelve by a postilion of the Royal Post house. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” thought la Peyrade, “I am certain now she has not left + Paris, and is not avoiding me. Most probably, she wants to break utterly + with the Thuilliers, and so has invented this journey. Fool that I am! no + doubt there’s a letter waiting for me at home, explaining the whole + thing.” + </p> + <p> + Worn out with emotion and fatigue, and in order to verify as quickly as + possible this new supposition, la Peyrade flung himself into a street cab, + and in less than a quarter of an hour, having promised the driver a good + pourboire, he was deposited at the house in the rue Saint-Dominique + d’Enfer. There he was compelled to endure still longer the tortures of + waiting. Since Brigitte’s departure, the duty of the porter, Coffinet, had + been very negligently performed, and when la Peyrade rushed to the lodge + to inquire for his letter, which he thought he saw in the case that + belonged to him, the porter and his wife were both absent and their door + was locked. The wife was doing some household work in the building, and + Coffinet himself, taking advantage of that circumstance, had allowed a + friend to entice him into a neighboring wine-shop, where, between two + glasses, he was supporting, against a republican who was talking + disrespectfully against it, the cause of the owners of property. + </p> + <p> + It was twenty minutes before the worthy porter, remembering the “property” + entrusted to his charge, decided to return to his post. It is easy to + imagine the reproaches with which la Peyrade overwhelmed him. He excused + himself by saying that he had gone to do a commission for Mademoiselle, + and that he couldn’t be at the door and where his masters chose to send + him at the same time. At last, however, he gave the lawyer a letter + bearing the Paris postmark. + </p> + <p> + With his heart rather than his eyes la Peyrade recognized the handwriting, + and, turning over the missive, the arms and motto confirmed the hope that + he had reached the end of the cruellest emotion he had ever in his life + experienced. To read that letter before that odious porter seemed to him a + profanation. With a refinement of feeling which all lovers will + understand, he gave himself the pleasure of pausing before his happiness; + he would not even unseal that blissful note until the moment when, with + closed doors and no interruptions to distract him, he could enjoy at his + ease the delicious sensation of which his heart had a foretaste. + </p> + <p> + Rushing up the staircase two steps at a time, the now joyous lover + committed the childish absurdity of locking himself in; then, having + settled himself at his ease before his desk, and having broken the seal + with religious care, he was forced to press his hand on his heart, which + seemed to burst from his bosom, before he could summon calmness to read + the following letter:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dear Monsieur,—I disappear forever, because my play is played + out. I thank you for having made it both attractive and easy. By + setting against you the Thuilliers and Collevilles (who are fully + informed of your sentiments towards them), and by relating in a + manner most mortifying to their bourgeois self-love the true + reason of your sudden and pitiless rupture with them, I am proud + and happy to believe that I have done you a signal service. The + girl does not love you, and you love nothing but the eyes of her + “dot”; I have therefore saved you both from a species of hell. + But, in exchange for the bride you have so curtly rejected, + another charming girl is proposed to you; she is richer and more + beautiful than Mademoiselle Colleville, and—to speak of myself + —more at liberty than + + Your unworthy servant, + + Torna “Comtesse de Godollo.” + + P.S. For further information apply, without delay, to Monsieur du + Portail, householder, rue Honore-Chevalier, near the rue de la + Cassette, quartier Saint-Sulpice, by whom you are expected. +</pre> + <p> + When he had read this letter the advocate of the poor took his head in his + hands; he saw nothing, heard nothing, thought nothing; he was annihilated. + </p> + <p> + Several days were necessary to la Peyrade before he could even begin to + recover from the crushing blow which had struck him down. The shock was + terrible. Coming out of that golden dream which had shown him a + perspective of the future in so smiling an aspect, he found himself fooled + under conditions most cruel to his self-love, and to his pretensions to + depth and cleverness; irrevocably parted from the Thuilliers; saddled with + a hopeless debt of twenty-five thousand francs to Madame Lambert, together + with another of ten thousand to Brigitte, which his dignity required him + to pay with the least delay possible; and, worst of all,—to complete + his humiliation and his sense of failure,—he felt that he was not + cured of the passionate emotion he had felt for this woman, the author of + his great disaster, and the instrument of his ruin. + </p> + <p> + Either this Delilah was a very great lady, sufficiently high in station to + allow herself such compromising caprices,—but even so, she would + scarcely have cared to play the role of a coquette in a vaudeville where + he himself played the part of ninny,—<i>or</i> she was some noted + adventuress who was in the pay of this du Portail and the agent of his + singular matrimonial designs. Evil life or evil heart, these were the only + two verdicts to be pronounced on this dangerous siren, and in either case, + it would seem, she was not very deserving of the regrets of her victim; + nevertheless, he was conscious of feeling them. We must put ourselves in + the place of this son of Provence, this region of hot blood and ardent + heads, who, for the first time in his life finding himself face to face + with jewelled love in laces, believed he was to drink that passion from a + wrought-gold cup. Just as our minds on waking keep the impression of a + vivid dream and continue in love with what we know was but a shadow, la + Peyrade had need of all his mental energy to drive away the memory of that + treacherous countess. We might go further and say that he never ceased to + long for her, though he was careful to drape with an honest pretext the + intense desire that he had to find her. That desire he called curiosity, + ardor for revenge; and here follow the ingenious deductions which he drew + for himself:— + </p> + <p> + “Cerizet talked to me about a rich heiress; the countess, in her letter, + intimates that the whole intrigue she wound about me was to lead to a rich + marriage; rich marriages flung at a man’s head are not so plentiful that + two such chances should come to me within a few weeks; therefore the match + offered by Cerizet and that proposed by the countess must be the crazy + girl they are so frantic to make me marry; therefore Cerizet, being in the + plot, must know the countess; therefore, through him I shall get upon her + traces. In any case, I am sure of information about this extraordinary + choice that has fallen upon me; evidently, these people, whoever they are, + who can pull the wires of such puppets to reach their ends must be persons + of considerable position; therefore, I’ll go and see Cerizet.” + </p> + <p> + And he went to see Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + Since the dinner at the Rocher de Cancale, the pair had not met. Once or + twice la Peyrade had asked Dutocq at the Thuilliers’ (where the latter + seldom went now, on account of the distance to their new abode) what had + become of his copying clerk. + </p> + <p> + “He never speaks of you,” Dutocq had answered. + </p> + <p> + Hence it might be inferred that resentment, the “manet alta mente + repostum” was still living in the breast of the vindictive usurer. La + Peyrade, however, was not stopped by that consideration. After all, he was + not going to ask for anything; he went under the pretext of renewing an + affair in which Cerizet had taken part, and Cerizet never took part in + anything unless he had a personal interest in it. The chances were, + therefore, that he would be received with affectionate eagerness rather + than unpleasant acerbity. Moreover, he decided to go and see the copying + clerk at Dutocq’s office; it would look, he thought, less like a visit + than if he went to his den in the rue des Poules. It was nearly two + o’clock when la Peyrade made his entrance into the precincts of the + justice-of-peace of the 12th arrondissement. He crossed the first room, in + which were a crowd of persons whom civil suits of one kind or another + summoned before the magistrate. Without pausing in that waiting-room, la + Peyrade pushed on to the office adjoining that of Dutocq. There he found + Cerizet at a shabby desk of blackened wood, at which another clerk, then + absent, occupied the opposite seat. + </p> + <p> + Seeing his visitor, Cerizet cast a savage look at him and said, without + rising, or suspending the copy of the judgment he was then engrossing:— + </p> + <p> + “You here, Sieur la Peyrade? You have been doing fine things for your + friend Thuillier!” + </p> + <p> + “How are you?” asked la Peyrade, in a tone both resolute and friendly. + </p> + <p> + “I?” replied Cerizet. “As you see, still rowing my galley; and, to follow + out the nautical metaphor, allow me to ask what wind has blown you hither; + is it, perchance, the wind of adversity?” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade, without replying, took a chair beside his questioner, after + which he said in a grave tone:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, we have something to say to each other.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” said Cerizet, spitefully, “the Thuilliers have grown cold + since the seizure of the pamphlet.” + </p> + <p> + “The Thuilliers are ungrateful people; I have broken with them,” replied + la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Rupture or dismissal,” said Cerizet, “their door is shut against you; and + from what Dutocq tells me, I judge that Brigitte is handling you without + gloves. You see, my friend, what it is to try and manage affairs alone; + complications come, and there’s no one to smooth the angles. If you had + got me that lease, I should have had a footing at the Thuilliers’, Dutocq + would not have abandoned you, and together we could have brought you + gently into port.” + </p> + <p> + “But suppose I don’t want to re-enter that port?” said la Peyrade, with + some sharpness. “I tell you I’ve had enough of those Thuilliers, and I + broke with them myself; I warned them to get out of my sun; and if Dutocq + told you anything else you may tell him from me that he lies. Is that + clear enough? It seems to me I’ve made it plain.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, exactly, my good fellow, if you are so savage against your + Thuilliers you ought to have put me among them, and then you’d have seen + me avenge you.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are right,” said la Peyrade; “I wish I could have set you at + their legs—but as for that matter of the lease I tell you again, I + was not master of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Cerizet, “it was your conscience which obliged you to + tell Brigitte that the twelve thousand francs a year I expected to make + out of it were better in her pocket than in mine.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems that Dutocq continues the honorable profession of spy which he + formerly practised at the ministry of finance,” said la Peyrade, “and, + like others who do that dirty business, he makes his reports more witty + than truthful—” + </p> + <p> + “Take care!” said Cerizet; “you are talking of my patron in his own lair.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here!” said la Peyrade. “I have come to talk to you on serious + matters. Will you do me the favor to drop the Thuilliers and all their + belongings, and give me your attention?” + </p> + <p> + “Say on, my friend,” said Cerizet, laying down his pen, which had never + ceased to run, up to this moment, “I am listening.” + </p> + <p> + “You talked to me some time ago,” said la Peyrade, “about marrying a girl + who was rich, fully of age, and slightly hysterical, as you were pleased + to put it euphemistically.” + </p> + <p> + “Well done!” cried Cerizet. “I expected this; but you’ve been some time + coming to it.” + </p> + <p> + “In offering me this heiress, what did you have in your mind?” asked la + Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! to help you to a splendid stroke of business. You had only to + stoop and take it. I was formally charged to propose it to you; and, as + there wasn’t any brokerage, I should have relied wholly on your + generosity.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are not the only person who was commissioned to make me that + offer. A woman had the same order.” + </p> + <p> + “A woman!” cried Cerizet in a perfectly natural tone of surprise. “Not + that I know of.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a foreigner, young and pretty, whom you must have met in the family + of the bride, to whom she seems to be ardently devoted.” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” said Cerizet, “never has there been the slightest question of a + woman in this negotiation. I have every reason to believe that I am + exclusively charged with it.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said la Peyrade, fixing upon Cerizet a scrutinizing eye, “did you + never hear of the Comtesse Torna de Godollo?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, in all my life; this is the first time I ever heard that name.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said la Peyrade, “it must really have been another match; for that + woman, after many singular preliminaries, too long to explain to you, made + me a formal offer of the hand of a young woman much richer than + Mademoiselle Colleville—” + </p> + <p> + “And hysterical?” asked Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “No, she did not embellish the proposal with that accessory; but there’s + another detail which may put you on the track of her. Madame de Godollo + exhorted me, if I wished to push the matter, to go and see a certain + Monsieur du Portail—” + </p> + <p> + “Rue Honore-Chevalier?” exclaimed Cerizet, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is the same marriage which is offered to you through two + different mediums. It is strange I was not informed of this + collaboration!” + </p> + <p> + “In short,” said la Peyrade, “you not only didn’t have wind of the + countess’s intervention, but you don’t know her, and you can’t give me any + information about her—is that so?” + </p> + <p> + “At present I can’t,” replied Cerizet, “but I’ll find out about her; for + the whole proceeding is rather cavalier towards me; but this employment of + two agents only shows you how desirable you are to the family.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door of the room was opened cautiously, a woman’s head + appeared, and a voice, which was instantly recognized by la Peyrade, said, + addressing the copying-clerk:— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! excuse me! I see monsieur is busy. Could I say a word to monsieur + when he is alone?” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet, who had an eye as nimble as a hand, instantly noticed a certain + fact. La Peyrade, who was so placed as to be plainly seen by the + new-comer, no sooner heard that drawling, honeyed voice, than he turned + his head in a manner to conceal his features. Instead therefore of being + roughly sent away, as usually happened to petitioners who addressed the + most surly of official clerks, the modest visitor heard herself greeted in + a very surprising manner. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, come in, Madame Lambert,” said Cerizet; “you won’t be kept + waiting long; come in.” + </p> + <p> + The visitor advanced, and then came face to face with la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur!” cried his creditor, whom the reader has no doubt + recognized, “how fortunate I am to meet monsieur! I have been several + times to his office to ask if he had had time to attend to my little + affair.” + </p> + <p> + “I have had many engagements which have kept me away from my office + lately; but I attended to that matter; everything has been done right, and + is now in the hands of the secretary.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! how good monsieur is! I pray God to bless him,” said the pious woman, + clasping her hands. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me! do you have business with Madame Lambert?” said Cerizet; “you + never told me that. Are you Pere Picot’s counsel?” + </p> + <p> + “No, unfortunately,” said Madame Lambert, “my master won’t take any + counsel; he is so self-willed, so obstinate! But, my good monsieur, what I + came to ask is whether the family council is to meet.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Cerizet, “and not later than to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “But monsieur, I hear those gentlemen of the Royal court said the family + had no rights—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s so,” said the clerk; “the lower court and the Royal court + have both, on the petition of the relatives, rejected their demand for a + commission.” + </p> + <p> + “I should hope so!” said the woman; “to think of making him out a lunatic! + him so full of wisdom and learning!” + </p> + <p> + “But the relations don’t mean to give up; they are going to try the matter + again under a new form, and ask for the appointment of a judicial counsel. + That’s what the family council meets for to-morrow; and I think, this + time, my dear Madame Lambert, your old Picot will find himself restrained. + There are serious allegations, I can tell you. It was all very well to + take the eggs, but to pluck the hen was another thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that monsieur can suppose—” began the devote, + clasping her hands under her chin. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose nothing,” said Cerizet; “I am not the judge of this affair. But + the relations declare that you have pocketed considerable sums, and made + investments about which they demand inquiry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! heavens!” said the woman, casting up her eyes; “they can inquire; I + am poor; I have not a deed, nor a note, nor a share; not the slightest + security of any kind in my possession.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say not,” said Cerizet, glancing at la Peyrade out of the corner + of his eye; “but there are always friends to take care of such things. + However, that is none of my business; every one must settle his own + affairs in his own way. Now, then, say what you have to say, distinctly.” + </p> + <p> + “I came, monsieur,” she replied, “to implore you, monsieur, to implore + Monsieur the judge’s clerk, to speak in our favor to Monsieur the + justice-of-peace. Monsieur the vicar of Saint-Jacques is also to speak to + him. That poor Monsieur Picot!” she went on, weeping, “they’ll kill him if + they continue to worry him in this way.” + </p> + <p> + “I sha’n’t conceal from you,” said Cerizet, “that the justice-of-peace is + very ill-disposed to your cause. You must have seen that the other day, + when he refused to receive you. As for Monsieur Dutocq and myself, our + assistance won’t help you much; and besides, my good woman, you are too + close-mouthed.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur asked me if I had laid by a few little savings; and I couldn’t + tell him that I had, be—because they have gone to keep the h—house + of that poor Monsieur Pi—i—cot; and now they accuse me of r—robbing + him!” + </p> + <p> + Madame Lambert sobbed. + </p> + <p> + “My opinion is,” said Cerizet, “that you are making yourself out much + poorer than you are; and if friend Peyrade here, who seems to be more in + your confidence, hadn’t his tongue tied by the rules of his profession—” + </p> + <p> + “I!” said la Peyrade, hastily, “I don’t know anything of madame’s affairs. + She asked me to draw up a petition on a matter in which there was nothing + judicial or financial.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that’s it, is it?” said Cerizet. “Madame had doubtless gone to see + you about this petition the day Dutocq met her at your office, the morning + after our dinner at the Rocher de Cancale—when you were such a + Roman, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without seeming to attach any importance to the reminiscence, he + added:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, my good Madame Lambert, I’ll ask my patron to speak to the + justice-of-peace, and, if I get a chance, I’ll speak to him myself; but, I + repeat it, he is very much prejudiced against you.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Lambert retired with many curtseys and protestations of gratitude. + When she was fairly gone la Peyrade remarked:— + </p> + <p> + “You don’t seem to believe that that woman came to me about a petition; + and yet nothing was ever truer. She is thought a saint in the street she + lives in, and that old man they accuse her of robbing is actually kept + alive by her devotion, so I’m told. Consequently, the neighbors have put + it into the good woman’s head to apply for the Montyon prize; and it was + for the purpose of putting her claims in legal shape that she applied to + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear! dear! the Montyon prize!” cried Cerizet; “well, that’s an idea! My + good fellow, we ought to have cultivated it before,—I, especially, + as banker of the poor, and you, their advocate. As for this client of + yours, it is lucky for her Monsieur Picot’s relatives are not members of + the French academy; it is in the correctional police-court, sixth chamber, + where they mean to give her the reward of virtue. However, to come back to + what we were talking about. I tell you that after all your tergiversations + you had better settle down peaceably; and I advise you, as your countess + did, to go and see du Portail.” + </p> + <p> + “Who and what is he?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “He is a little old man,” replied Cerizet, “as shrewd as a weasel. He + gives me the idea of having dealings with the devil. Go and see him! + Sight, as they say, costs nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, “perhaps I will; but, first of all, I want you to + find out for me about this Comtesse de Godollo.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you care about her? She is nothing but a supernumerary, that + countess.” + </p> + <p> + “I have my reasons,” said la Peyrade; “you can certainly get some + information about her in three days; I’ll come and see you then.” + </p> + <p> + “My good fellow,” said Cerizet, “you seem to me to be amusing yourself + with things that don’t pay; you haven’t fallen in love with that + go-between, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “Plague take him!” thought la Peyrade; “he spies everything; there’s no + hiding anything from him! No,” he said, aloud, “I am not in love; on the + contrary, I am very cautious. I must admit that this marriage with a crazy + girl doesn’t attract me, and before I go a step into it I want to know + where I put my feet. These crooked proceedings are not reassuring, and as + so many influences are being brought to bear, I choose to control one by + another. Therefore don’t play sly, but give me all the information you get + into your pouch about Madame la Comtesse Torna de Godollo. I warn you I + know enough to test the veracity of your report; and if I see you are + trying to overreach me I’ll break off short with your du Portail.” + </p> + <p> + “Trying to overreach you, monseigneur!” replied Cerizet, in the tone and + manner of Frederic Lemaitre. “Who would dare attempt it?” + </p> + <p> + As he pronounced those words in a slightly mocking tone, Dutocq appeared, + accompanied by his little clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me!” he exclaimed, seeing la Peyrade and Cerizet together; “here’s + the trinity reconstituted! but the object of the alliance, the ‘casus + foederis,’ has floated off. What have you done to that good Brigitte, la + Peyrade? She is after your blood.” + </p> + <p> + “What about Thuillier?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + Moliere was reversed; here was Tartuffe inquiring for Orgon. + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier began by not being very hostile to you; but it now seems that + the seizure business has taken a good turn, and having less need of you he + is getting drawn into his sister’s waters; and if the tendency continues, + I haven’t a doubt that he’ll soon come to think you deserving of hanging.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’m out of it all,” said la Peyrade, “and if anybody ever catches + me in such a mess again!—Well, adieu, my friends,” he added. “And + you, Cerizet, as to what we were speaking about, activity, safety, and + discretion!” + </p> + <p> + When la Peyrade reached the courtyard of the municipal building, he was + accosted by Madame Lambert, who was lying in wait for him. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur wouldn’t believe, I am sure,” she said, in a deprecating tone, + “the villainous things that Monsieur Cerizet said about me; monsieur knows + it was the little property I received from my uncle in England that I + placed in his hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said la Peyrade, “but you must understand that with all these + rumors set about by your master’s relatives the prize of virtue is + desperately endangered.” + </p> + <p> + “If it is God’s will that I am not to have it—” + </p> + <p> + “You ought also to understand how important it is for your interests to + keep secret the other service which I did for you. At the first appearance + of any indiscretion on your part that money, as I told you, will be + peremptorily returned to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! monsieur may be easy about that.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; then good-bye to you, my dear,” said la Peyrade, in a friendly + tone. + </p> + <p> + As he turned to leave her, a nasal voice was heard from a window on the + staircase. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Lambert!” cried Cerizet, who, suspecting the colloquy, had gone to + the staircase window to make sure of it. “Madame Lambert! Monsieur Dutocq + has returned; you may come up and see him, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + Impossible for la Peyrade to prevent the conference, although he knew the + secret of that twenty-five thousand francs ran the greatest danger. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” he said to himself as he walked away, “I’m in a run of + ill-luck; and I don’t know where it will end.” + </p> + <p> + In Brigitte’s nature there was such an all-devouring instinct of + domination, that it was without regret, and, we may even say, with a sort + of secret joy that she saw the disappearance of Madame de Godollo. That + woman, she felt, had a crushing superiority over her; and this, while it + had given a higher order to the Thuillier establishment, made her ill at + ease. When therefore the separation took place, which was done, let us + here say, on good terms, and under fair and honorable pretexts, + Mademoiselle Thuillier breathed more freely. She felt like those kings + long swayed by imperious and necessary ministers, who celebrate within + their hearts the day when death delivers them from a master whose services + and rival influence they impatiently endured. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier was not far from having the same sentiment about la Peyrade. But + Madame de Godollo was only the elegance, whereas la Peyrade was the + utility of the house they had now simultaneously abandoned; and after the + lapse of a few days, a terrible need of Theodose made itself felt in the + literary and political existence of his dear, good friend. The municipal + councillor found himself suddenly appointed to draft an important report. + He was unable to decline the task, saddled as he was with the reputation, + derived from his pamphlet, of being a man of letters and an able writer; + therefore, in presence of the perilous honor conferred upon him by his + colleagues of the general Council, he sat down terrified by his solitude + and his insufficiency. + </p> + <p> + In vain did he lock himself into his study, gorge himself with black + coffee, mend innumerable pens, and write a score of times at the head of + his paper (which he was careful to cut of the exact dimensions as that + used by la Peyrade) the solemn words: “Report to the Members of the + Municipal Council of the City of Paris,” followed, on a line by itself, by + a magnificent <i>Messieurs</i>—nothing came of it! He was fain to + issue furious from his study, complaining of the horrible household racket + which “cut the thread of his ideas”; though really no greater noise than + the closing of a door or the opening of a closet or the moving of a chair + had made itself heard. All this, however, did not help the advancement of + the work, which remained, as before—simply begun. + </p> + <p> + Most fortunately, it happened that Rabourdin, wanting to make some change + in his apartment, came, as was proper, to submit his plan to the owner of + the house. Thuillier granted cordially the request that was made to him, + and then discoursed to his tenant about the report with which he was + charged,—being desirous, he said, to obtain his ideas on the + subject. + </p> + <p> + Rabourdin, to whom no administrative question was foreign, very readily + threw upon the subject a number of very clear and lucid ideas. He was one + of those men to whom the quality of the intellect to which they address + themselves is more or less indifferent; a fool, or a man of talent who + will listen to them, serves equally well to think aloud to, and they are, + as a stimulant, about the same thing. After Rabourdin had said his say, he + observed that Thuillier had not understood him; but he had listened to + himself with pleasure, and he was, moreover, grateful for the attention, + obtuse as it was, of his hearer, and also for the kindliness of the + landlord in receiving his request. + </p> + <p> + “I must have among my papers,” he said as he went away, “something on this + subject; I will look it up and send it to you.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, that same evening Thuillier received a voluminous manuscript; + and he spent the entire night in delving into that precious repository of + ideas, from which he extracted enough to make a really remarkable report, + clumsily as the pillage was managed. When read before the council it + obtained a very great success, and Thuillier returned home radiant and + much elated by the congratulations he had received. From that moment—a + moment that was marked in his life, for even to advanced old age he still + talked of the “report he had had the honor of making to the + Council-general of the Seine”—la Peyrade went down considerably in + his estimation; he felt then that he could do very well without the + barrister, and this thought of emancipation was strengthened by another + happiness which came to him at almost the same time. + </p> + <p> + A parliamentary crisis was imminent,—a fact that caused the ministry + to think about depriving its adversaries of a theme of opposition which + always has great influence on public opinion. It resolved therefore to + relax its rigor, which of late had been much increased against the press. + Being included in this species of hypocritical amnesty, Thuillier received + one morning a letter from the barrister whom he had chosen in place of la + Peyrade. This letter announced that the Council of State had dismissed the + complaint, and ordered the release of the pamphlet. + </p> + <p> + Then Dutocq’s prediction was realized. That weight the less within his + bosom, Thuillier took a swing toward insolence; he chorused Brigitte, and + came at last to speak of la Peyrade as a sort of adventurer whom he had + fed and clothed, a tricky fellow who had <i>extracted</i> much money from + him, and had finally behaved with such ingratitude that he was thankful + not to count him any longer among his friends. Orgon, in short, was in + full revolt, and like Dorine, he was ready to cry out: “A beggar! who, + when he came, had neither shoes nor coat worth a brass farthing.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet, to whom these indignities were reported by Dutocq, would gladly + have served them up hot to la Peyrade; but the interview in which the + copying clerk was to furnish information about Madame de Godollo did not + take place at the time fixed. La Peyrade made his own discoveries in this + wise: + </p> + <p> + Pursued by the thought of the beautiful Hungarian, and awaiting, or rather + not awaiting the result of Cerizet’s inquiry, he scoured Paris in every + direction, and might have been seen, like the idlest of loungers, in the + most frequented places, his heart telling him that sooner or later he must + meet the object of his ardent search. + </p> + <p> + One evening—it was towards the middle of October—the autumn, + as frequently happens in Paris, was magnificent, and along the boulevards, + where the Provencal was airing his love and his melancholy, the out-door + life and gaiety were as animated as in summer. On the boulevard des + Italiens, formerly known as the boulevard de Gand, as he lounged past the + long line of chairs before the Cafe de Paris, where, mingled with a few + women of the Chaussee d’Antin accompanied by their husbands and children, + may be seen toward evening a cordon of nocturnal beauties waiting only a + gloved hand to gather them, la Peyrade’s heart received a cruel shock. + From afar, he thought he saw his adored countess. + </p> + <p> + She was alone, in a dazzling toilet scarcely authorized by the place and + her isolation; before her, mounted on a chair, trembled a tiny lap-dog, + which she stroked from time to time with her beautiful hands. After + convincing himself that he was not mistaken, la Peyrade was about to dart + upon that celestial vision, when he was forestalled by a dandy of the most + triumphant type. Without throwing aside his cigar, without even touching + his hat, this handsome young man began to converse with the barrister’s + ideal; but when she saw la Peyrade making towards her the siren must have + felt afraid, for she rose quickly, and taking the arm of the man who was + talking to her, she said aloud:— + </p> + <p> + “Is your carriage here, Emile? Mabille closes to-night, and I should like + to go there.” + </p> + <p> + The name of that disreputable place thus thrown in the face of the unhappy + barrister, was a charity, for it saved him from a foolish action, that of + addressing, on the arm of the man who had suddenly made himself her + cavalier, the unworthy creature of whom he was thinking a few seconds + earlier with so much tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “She is not worth insulting,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + But, as lovers are beings who will not allow their foothold to be taken + from them easily, the Provencal was neither convinced nor resigned as yet. + Not far from the place which his countess had left, sat another woman, + also alone; but this one was ripe with years, with feathers on her head, + and beneath the folds of a cashmere shawl she concealed the plaintive + remains of tarnished elegance and long past luxury. There was nothing + imposing about this sight, nor did it command respect, but the contrary. + La Peyrade went up to the woman without ceremony and addressed her. + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” he said, “do you know that woman who has just gone away on the + arm of a gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, monsieur; I know nearly all the women who come here.” + </p> + <p> + “And her name is?—” + </p> + <p> + “Madame Komorn.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she as impregnable as the fortress of that name?” + </p> + <p> + Our readers will doubtless remember that at the time of the insurrection + in Hungary our ears were battered by the press and by novelists about the + famous citadel of Komorn; and la Peyrade knew that by assuming a tone of + indifference or flippancy he was more likely to succeed with his + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + “Has monsieur any idea of making her acquaintance?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” replied la Peyrade, “but she is a woman who makes people + think of her.” + </p> + <p> + “And a very dangerous woman, monsieur,” added his companion; “a fearful + spendthrift, but with no inclination to return generously what is done for + her. I can speak knowingly of that; when she first arrived here from + Berlin, six months ago, she was very warmly recommended to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” exclaimed la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at that time I had in the environs of Ville d’Avray a very beautiful + place, with park and coverts and a stream for fishing; but as I was alone + I found it dull, and several of these ladies and gentlemen said to me, + ‘Madame Louchard, why don’t you organize parties in the style of + picnics?’” + </p> + <p> + “Madame Louchard!” repeated la Peyrade, “are you any relation to Monsieur + Louchard of the commercial police?” + </p> + <p> + “His wife, monsieur, but legally separated from him. A horrid man who + wants me to go back to him; but I, though I’m ready to forgive most + things, I can’t forgive a want of respect; just imagine that he dared to + raise his hand against me!” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, trying to bring her back to the matter in hand; + “you organized those picnics, and Madame de Godo—I mean Madame + Komorn—” + </p> + <p> + “Was one of my first lodgers. It was there she made acquaintance with an + Italian, a handsome man, and rich, a political refugee, but one of the + lofty kind. You understand it didn’t suit my purposes to have intrigues + going on in my house; still the man was so lovable, and so unhappy because + he couldn’t make Madame Komorn like him, that at last I took an interest + in this particular love affair; which produced a pot of money for madame, + for she managed to get immense sums out of that Italian. Well, would you + believe that when—being just then in great need—I asked her to + assist me with a trifling little sum, she refused me point-blank, and left + my house, taking her lover with her, who, poor man, can’t be thankful for + the acquaintance now.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? What happened to him?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “It happened to him that this serpent knows every language in Europe; she + is witty and clever to the tips of her fingers, but more manoeuvring than + either; so, being, as it appears, in close relations to the police, she + gave the government a lot of papers the Italian left about carelessly, on + which they expelled him from France.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, after his departure, Madame Komorn—” + </p> + <p> + “Since then, she has had a good many adventures and upset several + fortunes, and I thought she had left Paris. For the last two months she + was nowhere to be seen, but three days ago she reappeared, more brilliant + than ever. My advice to monsieur is not to trust himself in that + direction; and yet, monsieur looks to me a Southerner, and Southerners + have passions; perhaps what I have told him will only serve to spur them + up. However, being warned, there’s not so much danger, and she is a most + fascinating creature—oh! very fascinating. She used to love me very + much, though we parted such ill-friends; and just now, seeing me here, she + came over and asked my address, and said she should come and see me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, madame, I’ll think about it,” said la Peyrade, rising and bowing to + her. + </p> + <p> + The bow was returned with extreme coldness; his abrupt departure did not + show him to be a man of <i>serious</i> intentions. + </p> + <p> + It might be supposed from the lively manner in which la Peyrade made these + inquiries that his cure though sudden was complete; but this surface of + indifference and cool self-possession was only the stillness of the + atmosphere that precedes a storm. On leaving Madame Louchard, la Peyrade + flung himself into a street-cab and there gave way to a passion of tears + like that Madame Colleville had witnessed on the day he believed that + Cerizet had got the better of him in the sale of the house. + </p> + <p> + What was his position now? The investment of the Thuilliers, prepared with + so much care, all useless; Flavie well avenged for the odious comedy he + had played with her; his affairs in a worse state than they were when + Cerizet and Dutocq had sent him, like a devouring wolf, into the sheepfold + from which he had allowed the stupid sheep to drive him; his heart full of + revengeful projects against the woman who had so easily got the better of + what he thought his cleverness; and the memory, still vivid, of the + seductions to which he had succumbed,—such were the thoughts and + emotions of his sleepless night, sleepless except for moments shaken by + agitated dreams. + </p> + <p> + The next day la Peyrade could think no more; he was a prey to fever, the + violence of which became sufficiently alarming for the physician who + attended him to take all precautions against the symptoms now appearing of + brain fever: bleeding, cupping, leeches, and ice to his head; these were + the agreeable finale to his dream of love. We must hasten to add, however, + that this violent crisis in the physical led to a perfect cure of the + mental being. The barrister came out of his illness with no other + sentiment than cold contempt for the treacherous Hungarian, a sentiment + which did not even rise to a desire for vengeance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. GIVE AND TAKE + </h2> + <p> + Once more afoot, and reckoning with his future, on which he had lost so + much ground, la Peyrade asked himself if he had not better try to renew + his relations with the Thuilliers, or whether he should be compelled to + fall back on the rich crazy woman who had bullion where others have + brains. But everything that reminded him of his disastrous campaign was + repulsive to him; besides, what safety was there in dealing with this du + Portail, a man who could use such instruments for his means of action? + </p> + <p> + Great commotions of the soul are like those storms which purify the + atmosphere; they induce reflection, they counsel good and strong + resolutions. La Peyrade, as the result of the cruel disappointment he had + just endured, examined his own soul. He asked himself what sort of + existence was this, of base and ignoble intrigue, which he had led for the + past year? Was there for him no better, no nobler use to make of the + faculties he felt within him? The bar was open to him as to others; that + was a broad, straight path which could lead him to all the satisfaction of + legitimate ambition. Like Figaro, who displayed more science and + calculation in merely getting a living than statesmen had shown in + governing Spain for a hundred years, he, la Peyrade, in order to install + and maintain himself in the Thuillier household and marry the daughter of + a clarionet and a smirched coquette, had spent more mind, more art, and—it + should also be said, because in a corrupt society it is an element that + must be reckoned—more dishonesty than was needed to advance him in + some fine career. + </p> + <p> + “Enough of such connections as Dutocq and Cerizet,” he said to himself; + “enough of the nauseating atmosphere of the Minards and Phellions and + Collevilles and Barniols and all the rest of them. I’ll shake off this + province ‘intra muros,’ a thousand times more absurd and petty than the + true provinces; they at least, side by side with their pettiness, have + habits and customs that are characteristic, a ‘sui generis’ dignity; they + are frankly what they are, the antipodes of Parisian life; this other is + but a parody of it. I will fling myself upon Paris.” + </p> + <p> + In consequence of these reflections, la Peyrade went to see two or three + barristers who had offered to introduce him at the Palais in secondary + cases. He accepted those that presented themselves at once, and three + weeks after his rupture with the Thuilliers he was no longer the “advocate + of the poor,” but a barrister pleading before the Royal court. + </p> + <p> + He had already pleaded several cases successfully when he received, one + morning, a letter which greatly disturbed him. The president of the order + of barristers requested him to come to his office at the Palais in the + course of the day, as he had something of importance to say to him. La + Peyrade instantly thought of the transaction relating to the purchase of + the house on the boulevard de la Madeleine; it must have come, he thought, + to the ears of the Council of Discipline; if so he was accountable to that + tribunal and he knew its severity. + </p> + <p> + Now this du Portail, whom he had never yet been to see, in spite of his + conditional promise to Cerizet, was likely to have heard the whole story + of that transaction from Cerizet himself. Evidently all means were thought + good by that man, judging by the use he had made of the Hungarian woman. + In his savage determination to bring about the marriage with the crazy + girl, had this virulent old man denounced him? On seeing him courageously + and with some appearance of success entering a career in which he might + find fame and independence, had his persecutor taken a step to make that + career impossible? Certainly there was enough likelihood in this + suggestion to make the barrister wait in cruel anxiety for the hour when + he might learn the true nature of the alarming summons. + </p> + <p> + While breakfasting rather meagrely, his mind full of these painful + conjectures, Madame Coffinet, who had the honor to take charge of his + housekeeping, came up to ask if he would see Monsieur Etienne Lousteau. + [See “The Great Man of the Provinces in Paris.”] + </p> + <p> + Etienne Lousteau! la Peyrade had an idea that he had heard the name + before. + </p> + <p> + “Show him into my office,” he said to the portress. + </p> + <p> + A moment later he met his visitor, whose face did not seem utterly unknown + to him. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said this new-comer, “I had the honor of breakfasting with you + not long ago at Vefour’s; I was invited to that meeting, afterwards rather + disturbed, by Monsieur Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, very good!” said the barrister, offering a chair; “you are attached + to the staff of a newspaper?” + </p> + <p> + “Editor-in-chief of the ‘Echo de la Bievre,’ and it is on the subject of + that paper that I have now called to see you. You know what has happened?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible you are not aware that the ministry met with terrible + defeat last night? But instead of resigning, as every one expected, they + have dissolved the Chamber and appeal to the people.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew nothing of all that,” said la Peyrade. “I have not read the + morning papers.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” continued Lousteau, “all parliamentary ambitions will take the + field, and, if I am well informed, Monsieur Thuillier, already member of + the Council-general, intends to present himself as candidate for election + in the 12th arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, “that is likely to be his intention.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, monsieur, I desire to place at his disposition an instrument the + value of which I am confident you will not underestimate. The ‘Echo de la + Bievre,’ a specialist paper, can have a decisive influence on the election + in that quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “And you would be disposed,” asked la Peyrade, “to make that paper support + Monsieur Thuillier’s candidacy?” + </p> + <p> + “Better than that,” replied Lousteau. “I have come to propose to Monsieur + Thuillier that he purchase the paper itself. Once the proprietor of it he + can use it as he pleases.” + </p> + <p> + “But in the first place,” said la Peyrade, “what is the present condition + of the enterprise? In its character as a specialist journal—as you + called it just now—it is a sheet I have seldom met with; in fact, it + would be entirely unknown to me were it not for the remarkable article you + were so good as to devote to Thuillier’s defence at the time his pamphlet + was seized.” + </p> + <p> + Etienne Lousteau bowed his thanks, and then said: + </p> + <p> + “The position of the paper is excellent; we can give it to you on easy + terms, for we were intending shortly to stop the publication.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange for a prosperous journal.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, it happens to be quite natural. The founders, who were + all representatives of the great leather interest, started this paper for + a special object. That object has been attained. The ‘Echo de la Bievre’ + has therefore become an effect without a cause. In such a case, + stockholders who don’t like the tail end of matters, and are not eager + after small profits, very naturally prefer to sell out.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” asked la Peyrade, “does the paper pay its costs?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” replied Lousteau, “is a point we did not consider; we were not + very anxious to have subscribers; the mainspring of the whole affair was + direct and immediate action on the ministry of commerce to obtain a higher + duty on the introduction of foreign leathers. You understand that outside + of the tannery circle, this interest was not very exciting to the general + reader.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought, however,” persisted la Peyrade, “that a newspaper, + however circumscribed its action, would be a lever which depended for its + force on the number of its subscribers.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for journals which aim for a single definite thing,” replied + Lousteau, dogmatically. “In that case, subscribers are, on the contrary, + an embarrassment, for you have to please and amuse them, and in so doing, + the real object has to be neglected. A newspaper which has a definite and + circumscribed object ought to be like the stroke of that pendulum which, + striking steadily on one spot, fires at a given hour the cannon of the + Palais-Royal.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” said la Peyrade, “what price do you put upon a publication + which has no subscribers, does not pay its expenses, and has until now + been devoted to a purpose totally different from that you propose for it?” + </p> + <p> + “Before answering,” returned Lousteau, “I shall ask you another question. + Have you any intention of buying it?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s according to circumstances,” replied la Peyrade. “Of course I must + see Thuillier; but I may here remark to you that he knows absolutely + nothing about newspaper business. With his rather bourgeois ideas, the + ownership of a newspaper will seem to him a ruinous speculation. + Therefore, if, in addition to an idea that will scare him, you suggest an + alarming price, it is useless for me to speak to him. I am certain he + would never go into the affair.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Lousteau. “I have told you we should be reasonable; these + gentlemen have left the whole matter in my hands. Only, I beg to remark + that we have had propositions from other parties, and in giving Monsieur + Thuillier this option, we intended to pay him a particular courtesy. When + can I have your answer?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, I think; shall I have the honor of seeing you at your own + house, or at the office of the journal?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Lousteau, “to-morrow I will come here, at the same hour, if + that is convenient to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly,” replied la Peyrade, bowing out his visitor, whom he was + inclined to think more consequential than able. + </p> + <p> + By the manner in which the barrister had received the proposition to + become an intermediary to Thuillier, the reader must have seen that a + rapid revolution had taken place in his ideas. Even if he had not received + that extremely disquieting letter from the president of the order of + barristers, the new situation in which Thuillier would be placed if + elected to the Chamber gave him enough to think about. Evidently his dear + good friend would have to come back to him, and Thuillier’s eagerness for + election would deliver him over, bound hand and foot. Was it not the right + moment to attempt to renew his marriage with Celeste? Far from being an + obstacle to the good resolutions inspired by his amorous disappointment + and his incipient brain fever, such a finale would ensure their + continuance and success. Moreover, if he received, as he feared, one of + those censures which would ruin his dawning prospects at the bar, it was + with the Thuilliers, the accomplices and beneficiaries of the cause of his + fall, that his instinct led him to claim an asylum. + </p> + <p> + With these thoughts stirring in his mind la Peyrade obeyed the summons and + went to see the president of the order of barristers. + </p> + <p> + He was not mistaken; a very circumstantial statement of his whole + proceeding in the matter of the house had been laid before his brethren of + the bar; and the highest dignitary of the order, after stating that an + anonymous denunciation ought always to be received with great distrust, + told him that he was ready to receive and welcome an explanation. La + Peyrade dared not entrench himself in absolute denial; the hand from which + he believed the blow had come seemed to him too resolute and too able not + to hold the proofs as well. But, while admitting the facts in general, he + endeavored to give them an acceptable coloring. In this, he saw that he + had failed, when the president said to him:— + </p> + <p> + “After the vacation which is now beginning I shall report to the Council + of the order the charges made against you, and the statements by which you + have defended yourself. The Council alone has the right to decide on a + matter of such importance.” + </p> + <p> + Thus dismissed, la Peyrade felt that his whole future at the bar was + imperilled; but at least he had a respite, and in case of condemnation a + new project on which to rest his head. Accordingly, he put on his gown, + which he had never worn till now, and went to the fifth court-room, where + he was employed upon a case. + </p> + <p> + As he left the court-room, carrying one of those bundles of legal papers + held together by a strip of cotton which, being too voluminous to hold + under the arm, are carried by the hand and the forearm pressed against the + chest, la Peyrade began to pace about the Salle des Pas perdus with that + harassed look of business which denotes a lawyer overwhelmed with work. + Whether he had really excited himself in pleading, or whether he was + pretending to be exhausted to prove that his gown was not a dignity for + show, as it was with many of his legal brethren, but an armor buckled on + for the fight, it is certain that, handkerchief in hand, he was mopping + his forehead as he walked, when, in the distance, he spied Thuillier, who + had evidently just caught sight of him, and was beginning on his side to + manoeuvre. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was not surprised by the encounter. On leaving home he had told + Madame Coffinet he was going to the Palais, and should be there till three + o’clock, and she might send to him any persons who called on business. Not + wishing to let Thuillier accost him too easily, he turned abruptly, as if + some thought had changed his purpose, and went and seated himself on one + of the benches which surround the walls of that great antechamber of + Justice. There he undid his bundle, took out a paper, and buried himself + in it with the air of a man who had not had time to examine in his study a + case he was about to plead. It is not necessary to say that while doing + this the Provencal was watching the manoeuvres of Thuillier out of the + corner of his eye. Thuillier, believing that la Peyrade was really + occupied in some serious business, hesitated to approach him. + </p> + <p> + However, after sundry backings and fillings the municipal councillor made + up his mind, and sailing straight before the wind he headed for the spot + he had been reconnoitring for the last ten minutes. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me, Theodose!” he cried as soon as he had got within hailing + distance. “Do you come to the Palais now?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me,” replied Theodose, “that barristers at the Palais are + like Turks at Constantinople, where a friend of mine affirmed you could + see a good many. It is YOU whom it is rather surprising to see here.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” said Thuillier, carelessly. “I’ve come about that cursed + pamphlet. Is there ever any end to your legal bothers? I was summoned here + this morning, but I don’t regret it, as it gives me the happy chance of + meeting you.” + </p> + <p> + “I, too,” said la Peyrade, tying up his bundle. “I am very glad to see + you, but I must leave you now; I have an appointment, and I suppose you + want to do your business at once.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done it,” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Did you speak to Olivier Vinet, that mortal enemy of yours? he sits in + that court,” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Thuillier, naming another official. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s queer!” said the barrister; “that fellow must have the gift + of ubiquity; he has been all the morning in the fifth court-room, and has + just this minute given a judgment on a case I pleaded.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier colored, and got out of his hobble as best he could. “Oh, hang + it!” he said; “those men in gowns are all alike, I don’t know one from + another.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade shrugged his shoulders and said aloud, but as if to himself: + “Always the same; crafty, crooked, never straightforward.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom are you talking about?” asked Thuillier, rather nonplussed. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of you, my dear fellow, who take me for an imbecile, as if I and the + whole world didn’t know that your pamphlet business came to an end two + weeks ago. Why, then, summon you to court?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was sent for,” said Thuillier, with embarrassment; “something + about registry fees,—it is all Greek to me, I can’t comprehend their + scrawls.” + </p> + <p> + “And they chose,” said la Peyrade, “precisely the very day when the + Moniteur, announcing the dissolution of the Chamber, made you think about + being a candidate for the 12th arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Thuillier, “what has my candidacy to do with the fees I + owe to the court?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you,” said la Peyrade, dryly. “The court is a thing essentially + amiable and complaisant. ‘Tiens!’ it said to itself, ‘here’s this good + Monsieur Thuillier going to be a candidate for the Chamber; how hampered + he’ll be by his attitude to his ex-friend Monsieur de la Peyrade, with + whom he wishes now he hadn’t quarrelled. I’ll summon him for fees he + doesn’t owe; that will bring him to the Palais where la Peyrade comes + daily; and in that way he can meet him by chance, and so avoid taking a + step which would hurt his self-love.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there you are mistaken!” cried Thuillier, breaking the ice. “I used + so little craft, as you call it, that I’ve just come from your house, + there! and your portress told me where to find you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well done!” said la Peyrade, “I like this frankness; I can get on with + men who play above-board. Well, what do you want of me? Have you come to + talk about your election? I have already begun to work for it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, really?” said Thuillier, “how?” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” replied la Peyrade, feeling under his gown for his pocket and + bringing out a paper, “here’s what I scribbled just now in the court-room + while the lawyer on the other side rambled on like an expert.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it about?” asked Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Read and you’ll see.” + </p> + <p> + The paper read as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Estimate for a newspaper, small size, at thirty francs a year. + + Calculating the editions at 5,000 the costs are:— + + Paper, 5 reams at 12 francs . . . . . . . . . . 1,860 francs. + Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,400 ” + Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450 ” + One administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 ” + One clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 ” + One editor (also cashier) . . . . . . . . . . . 200 ” + One despatcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 ” + Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 ” + One office boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 ” + Office expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 ” + Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 ” + License and postage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500 ” + Reporting and stenographic news . . . . . . . . 1,800 ” + ————- + + Total monthly, 15,110 ” + “ yearly, 181,320 ” + </pre> + <p> + “Do you want to set up a paper?” asked Thuillier, in dread. + </p> + <p> + “I?” asked la Peyrade, “I want nothing at all; you are the one to be asked + if you want to be a deputy.” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly I do; because, when you urged me to become a municipal + councillor, you put the idea into my head. But reflect, my dear Theodose, + one hundred and eighty one thousand three hundred and twenty francs to put + out! Have I a fortune large enough to meet such a demand?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, “you could very well support that expense, for + considering the end you want to obtain there is nothing exorbitant in it. + In England they make much greater sacrifices to get a seat in Parliament; + but in any case, I beg you to observe that the costs are very high on that + estimate, and some could be cut off altogether. For instance, you would + not want an administrator. You, yourself, an old accountant, and I, an old + journalist, can very well manage the affair between us. Also rent, we + needn’t count that; you have your old apartment in the rue Saint-Dominique + which is not yet leased; that will make a fine newspaper office.” + </p> + <p> + “All that costs off two thousand four hundred francs a year,” said + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s something; but your error consists in calculating on the + yearly cost. When do the elections take place?” + </p> + <p> + “In two months,” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Very good; two months will cost you thirty thousand francs, even + supposing the paper had no subscribers.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Thuillier, “the expense is certainly less than I thought at + first. But does a newspaper really seem to you essential?” + </p> + <p> + “So essential that without that power in our hands, I won’t have anything + to do with the election. You don’t seem to see, my poor fellow, that in + going to live in the other quarter you have lost, electorally speaking, an + immense amount of ground. You are no longer the man of the place, and your + election could be balked by the cry of what the English call + ‘absenteeism.’ This makes your game very hard to play.” + </p> + <p> + “I admit that,” said Thuillier; “but there are so many things wanted + besides money,—a name for one thing, a manager, editorial staff, and + so forth.” + </p> + <p> + “A name, we have one made to hand; editors, they are you and I and a few + young fellows who grow on every bush in Paris. As for the manager, I have + a man in view.” + </p> + <p> + “What name is it?” asked Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “L’Echo de la Bievre.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is already a paper of that name.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely, and that’s why I give my approval to the affair. Do you think + I should be fool enough to advise you to start an entirely new paper? + ‘Echo de la Bievre!’ that title is a treasure to a man who wants support + for his candidacy in the 12th arrondissement. Say the word only, and I put + that treasure into your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” asked Thuillier, with curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! by buying it; it can be had for a song.” + </p> + <p> + “There now, you see,” said Thuillier in a discouraged tone; “you never + counted in the cost of purchase.” + </p> + <p> + “How you dwell on nothings!” said la Peyrade, hunching his shoulders; “we + have other and more important difficulties to solve.” + </p> + <p> + “Other difficulties?” echoed Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” exclaimed la Peyrade; “do you suppose that after all that has + taken place between us I should boldly harness myself to your election + without knowing exactly what benefit I am to get for it?” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Thuillier, rather astonished, “I thought that friendship was a + good exchange for such services.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but when the exchange consists in one side giving all and the other + side nothing, friendship gets tired of that sort of sharing, and asks for + something a little better balanced.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear Theodose, what have I to offer you that you have not already + rejected?” + </p> + <p> + “I rejected it, because it was offered without heartiness, and seasoned + with Mademoiselle Brigitte’s vinegar; every self-respecting man would have + acted as I did. Give and keep don’t pass, as the old legal saying is; but + that is precisely what you persist in doing.” + </p> + <p> + “I!—I think you took offence very unreasonably; but the engagement + might be renewed.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” replied la Peyrade; “but I will not put myself at the mercy of + either the success of the election or Mademoiselle Celeste’s caprices. I + claim the right to something positive and certain. Give and take; short + accounts make good friends.” + </p> + <p> + “I perfectly agree with you,” said Thuillier, “and I have always treated + you with too much good faith to fear any of these precautions you now want + to take. But what guarantees do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I want that the husband of Celeste should manage your election, and not + Theodose de la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “By hurrying things as much as possible, so Brigitte said, it would still + take fifteen days; and just think, with the elections only eight weeks + off, to lose two of them doing nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “Day after to-morrow,” replied la Peyrade, “the banns can be published for + the first time at the mayor’s office, in the intervals of publication some + things could be done, for though the publishing of the banns is not a step + from which there is no retreat, it is at least a public pledge and a long + step taken; after that we can get your notary to draw the contract at + once. Moreover, if you decide on buying this newspaper, I shouldn’t be + afraid that you would go back on me, for you don’t want a useless horse in + your stable, and without me I am certain you can’t manage him.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear fellow,” said Thuillier, going back to his objections, + “suppose that affair proves too onerous?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no need to say that you are the sole judge of the conditions of + the purchase. I don’t wish any more than you do to buy a pig in a poke. If + to-morrow you authorize me, I won’t say to buy, but to let these people + know that you may possibly make the purchase, I’ll confer with one of them + on your behalf, and you may be certain that I’ll stand up for your + interests as if they were my own.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, my dear fellow,” said Thuillier, “go ahead!” + </p> + <p> + “And as soon as the paper is purchased we are to fix the day for signing + the contract?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Thuillier; “but will you bind yourself to use your utmost + influence on the election?” + </p> + <p> + “As if it were my own,” replied la Peyrade, “which, by the bye, is not + altogether an hypothesis. I have already received suggestions about my own + candidacy, and if I were vindictive—” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Thuillier, with humility, “you would make a better + deputy than I; but you are not of the required age, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a better reason than that,” said la Peyrade; “you are my friend; + I find you again what you once were, and I shall keep the pledges I have + given you. As for the election, I prefer that people say of me, ‘He makes + deputies, but will be none himself.’ Now I must leave you and keep my + appointment. To-morrow in my own rooms, come and see me; I shall have + something to announce.” + </p> + <p> + Whoso has ever been a newspaper man will ever be one; that horoscope is as + sure and certain as that of drunkards. Whoever has tasted that feverishly + busy and relatively lazy and independent life; whoever has exercised that + sovereignty which criticises intellect, art, talent, fame, virtue, + absurdity, and even truth; whoever has occupied that tribune erected by + his own hands, fulfilled the functions of that magistracy to which he is + self-appointed,—in short, whosoever has been, for however brief a + span, that proxy of public opinion, looks upon himself when remanded to + private life as an exile, and the moment a chance is offered to him puts + out an eager hand to snatch back his crown. + </p> + <p> + For this reason when Etienne Lousteau went to la Peyrade, a former + journalist, with an offer of the weapon entitled the “Echo de la Bievre,” + all the latter’s instincts as a newspaper man were aroused, in spite of + the very inferior quality of the blade. The paper had failed; la Peyrade + believed he could revive it. The subscribers, on the vendor’s own showing, + were few and far between, but he would exercise upon them a “compelle + intrare” both powerful and irresistible. In the circumstances under which + the affair was presented to him it might surely be considered provincial. + Threatened with the loss of his position at the bar, he was thus + acquiring, as we said before, a new position and that of a “detached + fort”; compelled, as he might be, to defend himself, he could from that + vantage-ground take the offensive and oblige his enemies to reckon with + him. + </p> + <p> + On the Thuillier side, the newspaper would undoubtedly make him a + personage of considerable importance; he would have more power on the + election; and by involving their capital in an enterprise which, without + him, they would feel a gulf and a snare, he bound them to him by + self-interests so firmly that there was nothing to fear from their caprice + or ingratitude. + </p> + <p> + This horizon, rapidly taken in during Etienne Lousteau’s visit, had fairly + dazzled the Provencal, and we have seen the peremptory manner in which + Thuillier was forced into accepting with some enthusiasm the discovery of + this philosopher’s-stone. + </p> + <p> + The cost of the purchase was ridiculously insignificant. A bank-note for + five hundred francs, for which Etienne Lousteau never clearly accounted to + the share-holders, put Thuillier in possession of the name, property, + furniture, and good-will of the newspaper, which he and la Peyrade at once + busied themselves in reorganizing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. IN WHICH CERIZET PRACTISES THE HEALING ART AND + </h2> + <h3> + THE ART OF POISONING ON THE SAME DAY + </h3> + <p> + While this regeneration was going on, Cerizet went one morning to see du + Portail, with whom la Peyrade was now more than ever determined to hold no + communication. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the little old man to the poor man’s banker, “what effect did + the news we gave to the president of the bar produce on our man? Did the + affair get wind at the Palais?” + </p> + <p> + “Phew!” said Cerizet, whose intercourse, no doubt pretty frequent, with du + Portail had put him on a footing of some familiarity with the old man, + “there’s no question of that now. The eel has wriggled out of our hands; + neither softness nor violence has any effect upon that devil of a man. He + has quarrelled with the bar, and is in better odor than ever with + Thuillier. ‘Necessity,’ says Figaro, ‘obliterates distance.’ Thuillier + needs him to push his candidacy in the quartier Saint-Jacques, so they + kissed and made up.” + </p> + <p> + “And no doubt,” said du Portail, without much appearance of feeling, “the + marriage is fixed for an early day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Cerizet, “but there’s another piece of work on hand. That + crazy fellow has persuaded Thuillier to buy a newspaper, and he’ll make + him sink forty thousand francs in it. Thuillier, once involved, will want + to get his money back, and in my opinion they are bound together for the + rest of their days.” + </p> + <p> + “What paper is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a cabbage-leaf that calls itself the ‘Echo de la Bievre’!” replied + Cerizet with great scorn; “a paper which an old hack of a journalist on + his last legs managed to set up in the Mouffetard quarter by the help of a + lot of tanners—that, you know, is the industry of the quarter. From + a political and literary point of view the affair is nothing at all, but + Thuillier has been made to think it a masterly stroke.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for local service to the election the instrument isn’t so bad,” + remarked du Portail. “La Peyrade has talent, activity, and much resource + of mind; he may make something out of that ‘Echo.’ Under what political + banner will Thuillier present himself?” + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier,” replied the beggars’ banker, “is an oyster; he hasn’t any + opinions. Until the publication of his pamphlet he was, like all those + bourgeois, a rabid conservative; but since the seizure he has gone over to + the Opposition. His first stage will probably be the Left-centre; but if + the election wind should blow from another quarter, he’ll go straight + before it to the extreme left. Self-interest, for those bourgeois, that’s + the measure of their convictions.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dear!” said du Portail, “this new combination of la Peyrade’s may + assume the importance of a political danger from the point of view of my + opinions, which are extremely conservative and governmental.” Then, after + a moment’s reflection, he added, “I think you did newspaper work once upon + a time; I remember ‘the courageous Cerizet.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the usurer, “I even managed one with la Peyrade,—an + evening paper; and a pretty piece of work we did, for which we were finely + recompensed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said du Portail, “why don’t you do it again,—journalism, I + mean,—with la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet looked at du Portail in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” he cried, “are you the devil, monsieur? Can nothing ever be + hidden from you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said du Portail, “I know a good many things. But what has been + settled between you and la Peyrade?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, remembering my experience in the business, and not knowing whom + else to get, he offered to make me manager of the paper.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not know that,” said du Portail, “but it was quite probable. Did + you accept?” + </p> + <p> + “Conditionally; I asked time for reflection. I wanted to know what you + thought of the offer.” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! I think that out of an evil that can’t be remedied we should + get, as the proverb says, wing or foot. I had rather see you inside than + outside of that enterprise.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good; but in order to get into it there’s a difficulty. La Peyrade + knows I have debts, and he won’t help me with the thirty-three-thousand + francs’ security which must be paid down in my name. I haven’t got them, + and if I had, I wouldn’t show them and expose myself to the insults of + creditors.” + </p> + <p> + “You must have a good deal left of that twenty-five thousand francs la + Peyrade paid you not more than two months ago,” remarked du Portail. + </p> + <p> + “Only two thousand two hundred francs and fifty centimes,” replied + Cerizet. “I was adding it up last night; the rest has all gone to pay off + pressing debts.” + </p> + <p> + “But if you have paid your debts you haven’t any creditors.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, those I’ve paid, but those I haven’t paid I still owe.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to tell me that your liabilities were more than twenty-five + thousand francs?” said du Portail, in a tone of incredulity. + </p> + <p> + “Does a man go into bankruptcy for less?” replied Cerizet, as though he + were enunciating a maxim. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I see I am expected to pay that sum myself,” said du Portail, + crossly; “but the question is whether the utility of your presence in this + enterprise is worth to me the interest on one hundred and thirty-three + thousand, three hundred and thirty-three francs, thirty-three centimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Hang it!” said Cerizet, “if I were once installed near Thuillier, I + shouldn’t despair of soon putting him and la Peyrade at loggerheads. In + the management of a newspaper there are lots of inevitable disagreements, + and by always taking the side of the fool against the clever man, I can + increase the conceit of one and wound the conceit of the other until life + together becomes impossible. Besides, you spoke just now of political + danger; now the manager of a newspaper, as you ought to know, when he has + the intellect to be something better than a man of straw, can quietly give + his sheet a push in the direction wanted. + </p> + <p> + “There’s a good deal of truth in that,” said du Portail, “but defeat to la + Peyrade, that’s what I am thinking about.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cerizet, “I think I have another nice little insidious means + of demolishing him with Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “Say what it is, then!” exclaimed du Portail, impatiently; “you go round + and round the pot as if I were a man it would do you some good to finesse + with.” + </p> + <p> + “You remember,” said Cerizet, coming out with it, “that some time ago + Dutocq and I were much puzzled to know how la Peyrade was, all of a + sudden, able to make that payment of twenty-five thousand francs?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said the old man quickly, “have you discovered the origin of that + very improbable sum in our friend’s hands; and is that origin shady?” + </p> + <p> + “You shall judge,” said Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + And he related in all its details the affair of Madame Lambert,—adding, + however, that on questioning the woman closely at the office of the + justice-of-peace, after the meeting with la Peyrade, he had been unable to + extract from her any confession, although by her whole bearing she had + amply confirmed the suspicions of Dutocq and himself. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Lambert, rue du Val-de-Grace, No. 9; at the house of Monsieur + Picot, professor of mathematics,” said du Portail, as he made a note of + the information. “Very good,” he added; “come back and see me to-morrow, + my dear Monsieur Cerizet.” + </p> + <p> + “But please remark,” said the usurer, “that I must give an answer to la + Peyrade in the course of to-day. He is in a great hurry to start the + business.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; you must accept, asking a delay of twenty-four hours to obtain + your security. If, after making certain inquiries I see it is more to my + interests not to meddle in the affair, you can get out of it by merely + breaking your word; you can’t be sent to the court of assizes for that.” + </p> + <p> + Independently of a sort of inexplicable fascination which du Portail + exercised over his agent, he never lost an opportunity to remind him of + the very questionable point of departure of their intercourse. + </p> + <p> + The next day Cerizet returned. + </p> + <p> + “You guessed right,” said du Portail. “That woman Lambert, being obliged + to conceal the existence of her booty, and wanting to draw interest on her + stolen property, must have taken it into her head to consult la Peyrade; + his devout exterior may have recommended him to her. She probably gave him + that money without taking a receipt. In what kind of money was Dutocq + paid?” + </p> + <p> + “In nineteen thousand-franc notes, and twelve of five-hundred francs.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s precisely it,” said du Portail. “There can’t be the slightest + doubt left. Now, what use do you expect to make of this information + bearing upon Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect to put it into his head that la Peyrade, to whom he is going to + give his goddaughter and heiress, is over head and ears in debt; that he + makes enormous secret loans; and that in order to get out of his + difficulties he means to gnaw the newspaper to the bone; and I shall + insinuate that the position of a man so much in debt must be known to the + public before long, and become a fatal blow to the candidate whose right + hand he is.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not bad,” said du Portail; “but there’s another and even more + conclusive use to be made of the discovery.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, master; I’m listening,” said Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + “Thuillier has not yet been able, has he, to explain to himself the reason + of the seizure of the pamphlet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he has,” replied Cerizet. “La Peyrade was telling me only yesterday, + by way of explaining Thuillier’s idiotic simplicity, that he had believed + a most ridiculous bit of humbug. The ‘honest bourgeois’ is persuaded that + the seizure was instigated by Monsieur Olivier Vinet, substitute to the + procureur-general. The young man aspired for a moment to the hand of + Mademoiselle Colleville, and the worthy Thuillier has been made to imagine + that the seizure of his pamphlet was a revenge for the refusal.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said du Portail; “to-morrow, as a preparation for the other + version of which you are to be the organ, Thuillier shall receive from + Monsieur Vinet a very sharp and decided denial of the abuse of power he + foolishly gave ear to.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he?” said Cerizet, with curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “But another explanation must take its place,” continued du Portail; “you + must assure Thuillier that he is the victim of police machinations. That + is all the police is good for, you know,—machinations.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that very well; I’ve made that affirmation scores of times when I + was working for the republican newspapers and—” + </p> + <p> + “When you were ‘the courageous Cerizet,’” interrupted du Portail. “Well, + the present machination, here it is. The government was much displeased at + seeing Thuillier elected without its influence to the Council-general of + the Seine; it was angry with an independent and patriotic citizen who + showed by his candidacy that he could do without it; and it learned, + moreover, that this excellent citizen was preparing a pamphlet on the + subject, always a delicate one, of the finances, as to which this + dangerous adversary had great experience. So, what did this essentially + corrupt government do? It suborned a man in whom, as it learned, Thuillier + placed confidence, and for a sum of twenty-five thousand francs (a mere + trifle to the police), this treacherous friend agreed to insert into the + pamphlet three or four phrases which exposed it to seizure and caused its + author to be summoned before the court of assizes. Now the way to make the + explanation clinch the doubt in Thuillier’s mind is to let him know that + the next day la Peyrade, who, as Thuillier knew, hadn’t a sou, paid Dutocq + precisely that very sum of twenty-five thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” cried Cerizet, “it isn’t a bad trick. Fellows of the + Thuillier species will believe anything against the police.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see, then,” continued du Portail, “whether Thuillier will want + to keep such a collaborator beside him, and above all, whether he will be + so eager to give him his goddaughter.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a strong man, monsieur,” said Cerizet, again expressing his + approbation; “but I must own that I feel some scruples at the part + assigned me. La Peyrade came and offered me the management of the paper, + and, you see, I should be working to evict him.” + </p> + <p> + “And that lease he knocked you out of in spite of his promises, have you + forgotten that?” asked the little old man. “Besides, are we not aiming for + his happiness, though the obstinate fellow persists in thwarting our + benevolent intentions?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Cerizet, “that the result will absolve me. Yes, I’ll go + resolutely along the ingenious path you’ve traced out for me. But there’s + one thing more: I can’t fling my revelation at Thuillier’s head at the + very first; I must have time to prepare the way for it, but that security + will have to be paid in immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me, Monsieur Cerizet,” said du Portail, in a tone of authority; + “if the marriage of la Peyrade to my ward takes place it is my intention + to reward your services, and the sum of thirty thousand francs will be + your perquisite. Now, thirty thousand from one side and twenty-five + thousand from the other makes precisely fifty-five thousand francs that + the matrimonial vicissitudes of your friend la Peyrade will have put into + your pocket. But, as country people do at the shows of a fair, I shall not + pay till I come out. If you take that money out of your own hoard I shall + feel no anxiety; you will know how to keep it from the clutches of your + creditors. If, on the contrary, my money is at stake, you will have + neither the same eagerness nor the same intelligence in keeping it out of + danger. Therefore arrange your affairs so that you can pay down your own + thirty-three thousand; in case of success, that sum will bring you in + pretty nearly a hundred per cent. That’s my last word, and I shall not + listen to any objections.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet had no time to make any, for at that moment the door of du + Portail’s study opened abruptly, and a fair, slender woman, whose face + expressed angelic sweetness, entered the room eagerly. On her arm, wrapped + in handsome long clothes, lay what seemed to be the form of an infant. + </p> + <p> + “There!” she said, “that naughty Katte insisted that the doctor was not + here. I knew perfectly well that I had seen him enter. Well, doctor,” she + continued, addressing Cerizet, “I am not satisfied with the condition of + my little one, not satisfied at all; she is very pallid, and has grown so + thin. I think she must be teething.” + </p> + <p> + Du Portail made Cerizet a sign to accept the role so abruptly thrust upon + him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, evidently,” he said, “it is the teeth; children always turn pale at + that crisis; but there’s nothing in that, my dear lady, that need make you + anxious.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think so, doctor,” said the poor crazed girl, whom our + readers have recognized as du Portail’s ward, Lydie de la Peyrade; “but + see her dear little arms, how thin they are getting.” + </p> + <p> + Then taking out the pins that fastened the swathings, she exhibited to + Cerizet a bundle of linen which to her poor distracted mind represented a + baby. + </p> + <p> + “Why, no, no,” said Cerizet, “she is a trifle thin, it is true, but the + flesh is firm and her color excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor darling!” said Lydie, kissing her dream lovingly. “I do think she is + better since morning. What had I better give her, doctor? Broth disgusts + her, and she won’t take soup.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cerizet, “try panada. Does she like sweet things?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” cried the poor girl, her face brightening, “she adores them. + Would chocolate be good for her?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied Cerizet, “but without vanilla; vanilla is very + heating.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll get what they call health-chocolate,” said Lydie, with all the + intonations of a mother, listening to the doctor as to a god who reassured + her. “Uncle,” she added, “please ring for Bruneau, and tell him to go to + Marquis at once and get some pounds of that chocolate.” + </p> + <p> + “Bruneau has just gone out,” said her guardian; “but there’s no hurry, he + shall go in the course of the day.” + </p> + <p> + “There, she is going to sleep,” said Cerizet, anxious to put an end to the + scene, which, in spite of his hardened nature, he felt to be painful. + </p> + <p> + “True,” said the girl, replacing the bandages and rising; “I’ll put her to + bed. Adieu, doctor; it is very kind of you to come sometimes without being + sent for. If you knew how anxious we poor mothers are, and how, with a + word or two, you can do us such good. Ah, there she is crying!” + </p> + <p> + “She is so sleepy,” said Cerizet; “she’ll be much better in her cradle.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I’ll play her that sonata of Beethoven that dear papa was so + fond of; it is wonderful how calming it is. Adieu, doctor,” she said + again, pausing on the threshold of the door. “Adieu, kind doctor!” And she + sent him a kiss. + </p> + <p> + Cerizet was quite overcome. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said du Portail, “that she is an angel,—never the least + ill-humor, never a sharp word; sad sometimes, but always caused by a + feeling of motherly solicitude. That is what first gave the doctors the + idea that if reality could take the place of her constant hallucination + she might recover her reason. Well, this is the girl that fool of a + Peyrade refuses, with the accompaniment of a magnificent ‘dot.’ But he + must come to it, or I’ll forswear my name. Listen,” he added as the sound + of a piano came to them; “hear! what talent! Thousands of sane women can’t + compare with her; they are not as reasonable as she is, except on the + surface.” + </p> + <p> + When Beethoven’s sonata, played from the soul with a perfection of shades + and tones that filled her hardened hearer with admiration, had ceased to + sound, Cerizet said:— + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you, monsieur; la Peyrade refuses an angel, a treasure, a + pearl, and if I were in his place—But we shall bring him round to + your purpose. Now I shall serve you not only with zeal, but with + enthusiasm, I may say fanaticism.” + </p> + <p> + As Cerizet was concluding this oath of fidelity at the door of the study, + he heard a woman’s voice which was not that of Lydie. + </p> + <p> + “Is he in his study, the dear commander?” said that voice, with a slightly + foreign accent. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madame, but please come into the salon. Monsieur is not alone; I + will tell him you are here.” + </p> + <p> + This was the voice of Katte, the old Dutch maid. + </p> + <p> + “Stop, go this way,” said du Portail quickly to Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + And he opened a hidden door which led through a dark corridor directly to + the staircase, whence Cerizet betook himself to the office of the “Echo de + la Bievre,” where a heated discussion was going on. + </p> + <p> + The article by which the new editors of every newspaper lay before the + public their “profession of faith,” as the technical saying is, always + produces a laborious and difficult parturition. In this particular case it + was necessary, if not openly to declare Thuillier’s candidacy, to at least + make it felt and foreseen. The terms of the manifesto, after la Peyrade + had made a rough draft of it, were discussed at great length. This + discussion took place in Cerizet’s presence, who, acting on du Portail’s + advice, accepted the management, but postponed the payment of the security + till the next day, through the latitude allowed in all administrations for + the accomplishment of that formality. + </p> + <p> + Cleverly egged on by this master-knave, who, from the start, made himself + Thuillier’s flatterer, the discussion became stormy, and presently bitter; + but as, by the deed of partnership the deciding word was left to la + Peyrade in all matters concerning the editorship, he finally closed it by + sending the manifesto, precisely as he had written it, to the printing + office. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier was incensed at what he called an abuse of power, and finding + himself alone with Cerizet later in the day, he hastened to pour his + griefs and resentments into the bosom of his faithful manager, thus + affording the latter a ready-made and natural opportunity to insinuate the + calumnious revelation agreed upon with du Portail. Leaving the knife in + the wound, Cerizet went out to make certain arrangements to obtain the + money necessary for his bond. + </p> + <p> + Tortured by the terrible revelation, Thuillier could not keep it to + himself; he felt the need of confiding it, and of talking over the course + he would be compelled to take by this infernal discovery. Sending for a + carriage he drove home, and half an hour later he had told the whole story + to his Egeria. + </p> + <p> + Brigitte had from the first very vehemently declared against all the + determinations made by Thuillier during the last few days. For no purpose + whatever, not even for the sake of her brother’s election, would she agree + to a renewal of the relation to la Peyrade. In the first place, she had + treated him badly, and that was a strong reason for disliking him; then, + in case that adventurer, as she now called him, married Celeste, the fear + of her authority being lessened gave her a species of second-sight; she + had ended by having an intuitive sense of the dark profundities of the + man’s nature, and now declared that under no circumstances and for no + possible price would she make one household with him. + </p> + <p> + “Ruin yourself if you choose,” she said, “you are the master of that, and + you can do as you like; a fool and his money are soon parted.” + </p> + <p> + When, therefore, she listened to her brother’s confidences it was not with + reproaches, but, on the contrary, with a crow of triumph, celebrating the + probable return of her power, that she welcomed them. + </p> + <p> + “So much the better!” she cried; “it is well to know at last that the man + is a spy. I always thought so, the canting bigot! Turn him out of doors + without an explanation. WE don’t want him to work that newspaper. This + Monsieur Cerizet seems, from what you tell me, the right sort of man, and + we can get another manager. Besides, when Madame de Godollo went away she + promised to write to me; and she can easily put us in the way of finding + some one. Poor, dear Celeste! what a fate we were going to give her!” + </p> + <p> + “How you run on!” said Thuillier. “La Peyrade, my dear, is so far only + accused. He must be heard in his defence. And besides, there’s a deed that + binds us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, very good!” said Brigitte; “I see how it will be; you’ll let that man + twist you round his finger again. A deed with a spy! As if there could be + deeds with such fellows.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, be calm, my good Brigitte,” returned Thuillier. “We mustn’t + do anything hastily. Certainly, if la Peyrade cannot furnish a + justification, clear, categorical, and convincing, I shall decide to break + with him, and I’ll prove to you that I am no milksop. But Cerizet himself + is not certain; these are mere inductions, and I only came to consult you + as to whether I ought, or ought not, to demand an explanation outright.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a doubt about it,” replied Brigitte. “You ought to demand an + explanation and go to the bottom of this thing; if you don’t, I cast you + off as my brother.” + </p> + <p> + “That suffices,” said Thuillier, leaving the room with solemnity; “you + shall see that we will come to an understanding.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. EXPLANATIONS AND WHAT CAME OF THEM + </h2> + <p> + On his return to the office after his conference with Brigitte, Thuillier + found la Peyrade at his post as editor-in-chief, and in a position of much + embarrassment, caused by the high hand he had reserved for himself as the + sole selector of articles and contributors. At this moment, Phellion, + instigated by his family, and deeply conscious of his position on the + reading-committee of the Odeon, had come to offer his services as dramatic + critic. + </p> + <p> + “My dear monsieur,” he said, continuing his remarks to la Peyrade, after + inquiring of Thuillier about his health, “I was a great student of the + theatre in my youth; the stage and its scenic effects continue to have for + me peculiar attractions; and the white hairs which crown my brow to-day + seem to me no obstacle to my allowing your interesting publication to + profit by the fruit of my studies and my experience. As member of the + reading-committee of the Odeon theatre, I am conversant with the modern + drama, and—if I may be quite sure of your discretion—I will + even confide to you that among my papers it would not be impossible for me + to find a certain tragedy entitled ‘Sapor,’ which in my young days won me + some fame when read in salons.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said la Peyrade, endeavoring to gild the refusal he should be forced + to give, “why not try to have it put upon the stage? We might be able to + help you in that direction.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Thuillier, “the director of any theatre to whom we + should recommend—” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Phellion. “In the first place, as member of the + reading-committee of the Odeon, having to sit in judgment upon others, it + would not become me to descend into the arena myself. I am an old athlete, + whose business it is to judge of blows he can no longer give. In this + sense, criticism is altogether within my sphere, and all the more because + I have certain views on the proper method of composing dramatic + feuilletons which I think novel. The ‘castigat ridendo mores’ ought to be, + according to my humble lights, the great law, I may say the only law of + the stage. I should therefore show myself pitiless for those works, bred + of imagination, in which morality has no part, and to which mothers of + families—” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” said la Peyrade, “for interrupting you; but before allowing + you to take the trouble to develop your poetical ideas, I ought to tell + you that we have already made arrangements for our dramatic criticism.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that’s another thing,” said Phellion; “an honest man must keep his + word.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Thuillier, “we have our dramatic critic, little thinking that + you would offer us your valuable assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Phellion, suddenly becoming crafty,—for there is + something in the newspaper atmosphere, impossible to say what, which flies + to the head, the bourgeois head especially,—“since you are good + enough to consider my pen capable of doing you some service, perhaps a + series of detached thoughts on different subjects, to which I should + venture to give the name of ‘Diversities,’ might be of a nature to + interest your readers.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said la Peyrade, with a maliciousness that was quite lost upon + Phellion, “thoughts, especially in the style of la Rochefoucauld or la + Bruyere, might do. What do you think yourself, Thuillier?” + </p> + <p> + He reserved to himself the right to leave the responsibility of refusals, + as far as he could, to the proprietor of the paper. + </p> + <p> + “But I imagine that thoughts, especially if detached, cannot be very + consecutive,” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Evidently not,” replied Phellion; “detached thoughts imply the idea of a + very great number of subjects on which the author lets his pen stray + without the pretension of presenting a whole.” + </p> + <p> + “You will of course sign them?” said la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” replied Phellion, alarmed. “I could not put myself on exhibition + in that way.” + </p> + <p> + “Your modesty, which by the bye I understand and approve, settles the + matter,” said la Peyrade. “Thoughts are a subject altogether individual, + which imperatively require to be personified by a name. You must be + conscious of this yourself. ‘Divers Thoughts by Monsieur Three-Stars’ says + nothing to the public.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that Phellion was about to make objections, Thuillier, who was in a + hurry to begin his fight with la Peyrade, cut the matter short rather + sharply. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Phellion,” he said, “I beg your pardon for not being able to + enjoy the pleasure of your conversation any longer, but we have to talk, + la Peyrade and I, over a matter of much importance, and in newspaper + offices this devilish time runs away so fast. If you are willing, we will + postpone the question to another day. Madame Phellion is well, I trust?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly well,” said the great citizen, rising, and not appearing to + resent his dismissal. “When does your first number appear?” he added; “it + is eagerly awaited in the arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow I think our confession of faith will make its appearance,” + replied Thuillier, accompanying him to the door. “You will receive a copy, + my dear friend. We shall meet again soon, I hope. Come and see us, and + bring that manuscript; la Peyrade’s point of view may be a little + arbitrary.” + </p> + <p> + With this balm shed upon his wound, Phellion departed, and Thuillier rang + the bell for the porter. + </p> + <p> + “Could you recognize the gentlemen who has just gone out the next time you + see him?” asked Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, m’sieu, his round ball of a head is too funny to forget; + besides, it is Monsieur Phellion; haven’t I opened the door to him + hundreds of times?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, whenever he comes again neither I nor Monsieur de la Peyrade will + be here. Remember that’s a positive rule. Now leave us.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” cried la Peyrade, when the two partners were alone, “how you + manage bores. But take care; among the number there may be electors. You + did right to tell Phellion you would send him a copy of the paper; he has + a certain importance in the quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Thuillier, “we can’t allow our time to be taken up by all the + dull-heads who come and offer their services. But now you and I have to + talk, and talk very seriously. Be seated and listen.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, my dear fellow,” said la Peyrade, laughing, “that journalism + is making you into something very solemn? ‘Be seated, Cinna,’—Caesar + Augustus couldn’t have said it otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “Cinnas, unfortunately, are more plentiful than people think,” replied + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + He was still under the goad of the promise he had made to Brigitte, and he + meant to fulfil it with cutting sarcasm. The top continued the whirling + motion imparted to it by the old maid’s lash. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade took a seat at the round table. As he was puzzled to know what + was coming, he endeavored to seem unconcerned, and picking up the large + scissors used for the loans which all papers make from the columns of + their brethren of the press, he began to snip up a sheet of paper, on + which, in Thuillier’s handwriting, was an attempt at a leading article, + never completed. + </p> + <p> + Though la Peyrade was seated and expectant, Thuillier did not begin + immediately; he rose and went toward the door which stood ajar, with the + intention of closing it. But suddenly it was flung wide open, and Coffinet + appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Will monsieur,” said Coffinet to la Peyrade, “receive two ladies? They + are very well-dressed, and the young one ain’t to be despised.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I let them in?” said la Peyrade to Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, since they are here,” growled Thuillier; “but get rid of them as + soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + Coffinet’s judgment on the toilet of the two visitors needs revision. A + woman is well-dressed, not when she wears rich clothes, but when her + clothes present a certain harmony of shapes and colors which form an + appropriate and graceful envelope to her person. Now a bonnet with a + flaring brim, surmounted by nodding plumes, an immense French cashmere + shawl, worn with the awkward inexperience of a young bride, a plaid silk + gown with enormous checks and a triple tier of flounces with far too many + chains and trinkets (though to be just, the boots and gloves were + irreproachable), constituted the apparel of the younger of these ladies. + As for the other, who seemed to be in the tow of her dressy companion, she + was short, squat, and high-colored, and wore a bonnet, shawl, and gown + which a practised eye would at once have recognized as second hand. + Mothers of actresses are always clothed by this very economical process. + Their garments, condemned to the service of two generations, reverse the + order of things, and go from descendants to ancestors. + </p> + <p> + Advancing two chairs, la Peyrade inquired, “To whom have I the honor of + speaking?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said the younger visitor, “I am a dramatic artist, and as I am + about to make my first appearance in this quarter, I allow myself to hope + that a journal of this locality will favor me.” + </p> + <p> + “At what theatre?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “The Folies, where I am engaged for the Dejazets.” + </p> + <p> + “The Folies?” echoed la Peyrade, in a tone that demanded an explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Folies-Dramatiques,” interposed the agreeable Madame Cardinal, whom the + reader has doubtless recognized. + </p> + <p> + “When do you appear?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Next week, monsieur,—a fairy piece in which I play five parts.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll encourage her, monsieur, won’t you?” said Madame Cardinal, in a + coaxing voice; “she’s so young, and I can certify she works day and + night.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother!” said Olympe, with authority, “the public will judge me; all I + want is that monsieur will kindly promise to notice my debut.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, mademoiselle,” said la Peyrade in a tone of dismissal, + beginning to edge the pair to the door. + </p> + <p> + Olympe Cardinal went first, leaving her mother to hurry after her as best + she could. + </p> + <p> + “At home to no one!” cried Thuillier to the office-boy as he closed the + door and slipped the bolt. “Now,” he said, addressing la Peyrade, “we will + talk. My dear fellow,” he went on, starting with irony, for he remembered + to have heard that nothing was more confusing to an adversary, “I have + heard something that will give you pleasure. I know now why MY pamphlet + was seized.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he looked fixedly at la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” said the latter in a natural tone of voice, “it was seized + because they chose to seize it. They wanted to find, and they found, + because they always find the things they want, what the king’s adherents + call ‘subversive doctrine.’” + </p> + <p> + “No, you are wrong,” said Thuillier; “the seizure was planned, concocted, + and agreed upon before publication.” + </p> + <p> + “Between whom?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Between those who wanted to kill the pamphlet, and the wretches who were + paid to betray it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, in any case, those who paid,” said la Peyrade, “got mighty little + for their money; for, persecuted though it was, I don’t see that your + pamphlet made much of a stir.” + </p> + <p> + “Those who sold may have done better?” said Thuillier with redoubled + irony. + </p> + <p> + “Those who sold,” returned la Peyrade, “were the cleverer of the two.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I know,” said Thuillier, “that you think a great deal of cleverness; + but allow me to tell you that the police, whose hand I see in all this, + doesn’t usually throw its money away.” + </p> + <p> + And again he looked fixedly at la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “So,” said the barrister, without winking, “you have discovered that the + police had plotted in advance the smothering of your pamphlet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear fellow; and what is more, I know the actual sum paid to the + person who agreed to carry out this honorable plot.” + </p> + <p> + “The person,” said la Peyrade, thinking a moment,—“perhaps I know + the person; but as for the money, I don’t know a word about that.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can tell you the amount. It was twenty-five—thousand—francs,” + said Thuillier, dwelling on each word; “that was the sum paid to Judas.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! excuse me, my dear fellow, but twenty-five thousand francs is a good + deal of money. I don’t deny that you have become an important man; but you + are not such a bugbear to the government as to lead it to make such + sacrifices. Twenty-five thousand francs is as much as would ever be given + for the suppression of one of those annoying pamphlets about the Civil + list. But our financial lucubrations didn’t annoy in that way; and such a + sum borrowed from the secret-service money for the mere pleasure of + plaguing you, seems to me rather fabulous.” + </p> + <p> + “Apparently,” said Thuillier, acrimoniously, “this honest go-between had + some interest in exaggerating my value. One thing is very sure; this + monsieur had a debt of twenty-five thousand francs which harassed him + much; and a short time before the seizure this same monsieur, who had no + means of his own, paid off that debt; and unless you can tell me where + else he got the money, the inference I think is not difficult to draw.” + </p> + <p> + It was la Peyrade’s turn to look fixedly at Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Thuillier,” he said, raising his voice, “let us get out of + enigmas and generalities; will you do me the favor to name that person?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no,” replied Thuillier, striking his hand upon the table, “I shall + not name him, because of the sentiments of esteem and affection which + formerly united us; but you have understood me, Monsieur la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to have known,” said the Provencal, in a voice changed by + emotion, “that in bringing a serpent to this place I should soon be soiled + by his venom. Poor fool! do you not see that you have made yourself the + echo of Cerizet’s calumny?” + </p> + <p> + “Cerizet has nothing to do with it; on the contrary, he has told me the + highest good of you. How was it, not having a penny the night before,—and + I had reason to know it,—that you were able to pay Dutocq the round + sum of twenty-five thousand francs the next day?” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade reflected for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “it was not Dutocq who told you that. He is not a man to + wrestle with an enemy of my strength without a strong interest in it. It + was Cerizet; he’s the infamous calumniator, from whose hands I wrenched + the lease of your house near the Madeleine,—Cerizet, whom in + kindness, I went to seek on his dunghill that I might give him the chance + of honorable employment; that is the wretch, to whom a benefit is only an + encouragement to treachery. Tiens! if I were to tell you what that man is + I should turn you sick with disgust; in the sphere of infamy he has + discovered worlds.” + </p> + <p> + This time Thuillier made an able reply. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know anything about Cerizet except through you,” he said; “you + introduced him to me as a manager, offering every guarantee; but, allowing + him to be blacker than the devil, and supposing that this communication + comes from him, I don’t see, my friend, that all that makes YOU any the + whiter.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt I was to blame,” said la Peyrade, “for putting such a man into + relations with you; but we wanted some one who understood journalism, and + that value he really had for us. But who can ever sound the depths of + souls like his? I thought him reformed. A manager, I said to myself, is + only a machine; he can do no harm. I expected to find him a man of straw; + well, I was mistaken, he will never be anything but a man of mud.” + </p> + <p> + “All that is very fine,” said Thuillier, “but those twenty-five thousand + francs found so conveniently in your possession, where did you get them? + That is the point you are forgetting to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “But to reason about it,” said la Peyrade; “a man of my character in the + pay of the police and yet so poor that I could not pay the ten thousand + francs your harpy of a sister demanded with an insolence which you + yourself witnessed—” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Thuillier, “if the origin of this money is honest, as I + sincerely desire it may be, what hinders you from telling me how you got + it?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” said la Peyrade; “the history of that money is a secret + entrusted to me professionally.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, you told me yourself that the statutes of your order forbid + all barristers from doing business of any kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us suppose,” said la Peyrade, “that I have done something not + absolutely regular; it would be strange indeed after what I risked, as you + know, for you, if you should have the face to reproach me with it.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor friend, you are trying to shake off the hounds; but you can’t + make me lose the scent. You wish to keep your secret; then keep it. I am + master of my own confidence and my own esteem; by paying you the forfeit + stipulated in our deed I take the newspaper into my own hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that you dismiss me?” cried la Peyrade. “The money that you + have put into the affair, all your chances of election, sacrificed to the + calumnies of such a being as Cerizet!” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place,” said Thuillier, “another editor-in-chief can be + found; it is a true saying that no man is indispensable. As for election + to the Chamber I would rather never receive it than owe it to the help of + one who—” + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” said la Peyrade, seeing that Thuillier hesitated, “or rather, no, + be silent, for you will presently blush for your suspicions and ask my + pardon humbly.” + </p> + <p> + By this time la Peyrade saw that without a confession to which he must + compel himself, the influence and the future he had just recovered would + be cut from under his feet. Resuming his speech he said, solemnly:— + </p> + <p> + “You will remember, my friend, that you were pitiless, and, by subjecting + me to a species of moral torture, you have forced me to reveal to you a + secret that is not mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” said Thuillier, “I take the whole responsibility upon myself. + Make me see the truth clearly in this darkness, and if I have done wrong I + will be the first to say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “those twenty-five thousand francs are the + savings of a servant-woman who came to me and asked me to take them and to + pay her interest.” + </p> + <p> + “A servant with twenty-five thousand francs of savings! Nonsense; she must + serve in monstrously rich households.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, she is the one servant of an infirm old savant; and it + was on account of the discrepancy which strikes your mind that she wanted + to put her money in my hands as a sort of trustee.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless me! my friend,” said Thuillier, flippantly, “you said we were in + want of a romance-feuilletonist; but really, after this, I sha’n’t be + uneasy. Here’s imagination for you!” + </p> + <p> + “What?” said la Peyrade, angrily, “you don’t believe me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not believe you. Twenty-five thousand francs savings in the + service of an old savant! that is about as believable as the officer of La + Dame Blanche buying a chateau with his pay.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I prove to you the truth of my words; if I let you put your finger + upon it?” + </p> + <p> + “In that case, like Saint Thomas, I shall lower my flag before the + evidence. Meanwhile you must permit me, my noble friend, to wait until you + offer me that proof.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier felt really superb. + </p> + <p> + “I’d give a hundred francs,” he said to himself, “if Brigitte could have + been here and heard me impeach him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “suppose that without leaving this office, and by + means of a note which you shall read, I bring into your presence the + person from whom I received the money; if she confirms what I say will you + believe me?” + </p> + <p> + This proposal and the assurance with which it was made rather staggered + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “I shall know what to do when the time comes,” he replied, changing his + tone. “But this must be done at once, now, here.” + </p> + <p> + “I said, without leaving this office. I should think that was clear + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “And who will carry the note you write?” asked Thuillier, believing that + by thus examining every detail he was giving proofs of amazing + perspicacity. + </p> + <p> + “Carry the note! why, your own porter of course,” replied la Peyrade; “you + can send him yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Then write it,” said Thuillier, determined to push him to the wall. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade took a sheet of paper with the new heading and wrote as + follows, reading the note aloud:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Madame Lambert is requested to call at once, on urgent business, + at the office of the “Echo de la Bievre,” rue Saint-Dominique + d’Enfer. The bearer of this note will conduct her. She is awaited + impatiently by her devoted servant, +</pre> + <p> + Theodose de la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “There, will that suit you?” said the barrister, passing the paper to + Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly,” replied Thuillier, taking the precaution to fold the letter + himself and seal it. “Put the address,” he added. + </p> + <p> + Then he rang the bell for the porter. + </p> + <p> + “You will carry this letter to its address,” he said to the man, “and + bring back with you the person named. But will she be there?” he asked, on + reflection. + </p> + <p> + “It is more than probable,” replied la Peyrade; “in any case, neither you + nor I will leave this room until she comes. This matter must be cleared + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go!” said Thuillier to the porter, in a theatrical tone. + </p> + <p> + When they were alone, la Peyrade took up a newspaper and appeared to be + absorbed in its perusal. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier, beginning to get uneasy as to the upshot of the affair, + regretted that he had not done something the idea of which had come to him + just too late. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I ought,” he said to himself, “to have torn up that letter, and not + driven him to prove his words.” + </p> + <p> + Wishing to do something that might look like retaining la Peyrade in the + position of which he had threatened to deprive him, he remarked presently:— + </p> + <p> + “By the bye, I have just come from the printing-office; the new type has + arrived, and I think we might make our first appearance to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade did not answer; but he got up and took his paper nearer to the + window. + </p> + <p> + “He is sulky,” thought Thuillier, “and if he is innocent, he may well be. + But, after all, why did he ever bring a man like that Cerizet here?” + </p> + <p> + Then to hide his embarrassment and the preoccupation of his mind, he sat + down before the editor’s table, took a sheet of the head-lined paper and + made himself write a letter. + </p> + <p> + Presently la Peyrade returned to the table and sitting down, took another + sheet and with the feverish rapidity of a man stirred by some emotion he + drove his pen over the paper. + </p> + <p> + From the corner of his eye, Thuillier tried hard to see what la Peyrade + was writing, and noticing that his sentences were separated by numbers + placed between brackets, he said:— + </p> + <p> + “Tiens! are you drawing up a parliamentary law?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied la Peyrade, “the law of the vanquished.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after this, the porter opened the door and introduced Madame Lambert, + whom he had found at home, and who arrived looking rather frightened. + </p> + <p> + “You are Madame Lambert?” asked Thuillier, magisterially. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur,” said the woman, in an anxious voice. + </p> + <p> + After requesting her to be seated and noticing that the porter was still + there as if awaiting further orders he said to the man:— + </p> + <p> + “That will do; you may go; and don’t let any one disturb us.” + </p> + <p> + The gravity and the lordly tone assumed by Thuillier only increased Madame + Lambert’s uneasiness. She came expecting to see only la Peyrade, and she + found herself received by an unknown man with a haughty manner, while the + barrister, who had merely bowed to her, said not a word; moreover, the + scene took place in a newspaper office, and it is a well-known fact that + to pious persons especially all that relates to the press is infernal and + diabolical. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Thuillier to the barrister, “it seems to me that nothing + hinders you from explaining to madame why you have sent for her.” + </p> + <p> + In order to leave no loophole for suspicion in Thuillier’s mind la Peyrade + knew that he must put his question bluntly and without the slightest + preparation; he therefore said to her “ex abrupto”:— + </p> + <p> + “We wish to ask you, madame, if it is not true that about two and a half + months ago you placed in my hands, subject to interest, the sum, in round + numbers, of twenty-five thousand francs.” + </p> + <p> + Though she felt the eyes of Thuillier and those of la Peyrade upon her, + Madame Lambert, under the shock of this question fired at her point-blank, + could not restrain a start. + </p> + <p> + “Heavens!” she exclaimed, “twenty-five thousand francs! and where should I + get such a sum as that?” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade gave no sign on his face of the vexation he might be supposed + to feel. As for Thuillier, who now looked at him with sorrowful + commiseration, he merely said:— + </p> + <p> + “You see, my friend!” + </p> + <p> + “So,” resumed la Peyrade, “you are very certain that you did not place in + my hands the sum of twenty-five thousand francs; you declare this, you + affirm it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, monsieur! did you ever hear of such a sum as that in the pocket of a + poor woman like me? The little that I had, as everybody knows, has gone to + eke out the housekeeping of that poor dear gentleman whose servant I have + been for more than twenty years.” + </p> + <p> + “This,” said Thuillier, pompously, “seems to me categorical.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade still did not show the slightest sign of annoyance; on the + contrary, he seemed to be playing into Thuillier’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “You hear, my dear Thuillier,” he said, “and if necessary I shall call for + your testimony, that madame here declares that she did not possess + twenty-five thousand francs and could not therefore have placed them in my + hands. Now, as the notary Dupuis, in whose hands I fancied I had placed + them, left Paris this morning for Brussels carrying with him the money of + all his clients, I have no account with madame, by her own showing, and + the absconding of the notary—” + </p> + <p> + “Has the notary Dupuis absconded?” screamed Madame Lambert, driven by this + dreadful news entirely out of her usual tones of dulcet sweetness and + Christian resignation. “Ah, the villain! it was only this morning that he + was taking the sacrament at Saint-Jacques du Haut-Pas.” + </p> + <p> + “To pray for a safe journey, probably,” said la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur talks lightly enough,” continued Madame Lambert, “though that + brigand has carried off my savings. But I gave them to monsieur, and + monsieur is answerable to me for them; he is the only one I know in this + transaction.” + </p> + <p> + “Hey?” said la Peyrade to Thuillier, pointing to Madame Lambert, whose + whole demeanor had something of the mother-wolf suddenly bereft of her + cubs; “is that nature? tell me! Do you think now that madame and I are + playing a comedy for your benefit?” + </p> + <p> + “I am thunderstruck at Cerizet’s audacity,” said Thuillier. “I am + overwhelmed with my own stupidity; there is nothing for me to do but to + submit myself entirely to your discretion.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” said la Peyrade, gaily, “excuse me for thus frightening you; the + notary Dupuis is still a very saintly man, and quite incapable of doing an + injury to his clients. As for monsieur here, it was necessary that I + should prove to him that you had really placed that money in my hands; he + is, however, another myself, and your secret, though known to him, is as + safe as it is with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very good, monsieur!” said Madame Lambert. “I suppose these gentlemen + have no further need of me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dear madame, and I beg you to pardon me for the little terror I + was compelled to occasion you.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Lambert turned to leave the room with all the appearance of + respectful humility, but when she reached the door, she retraced her + steps, and coming close to la Peyrade said, in her smoothest tones:— + </p> + <p> + “When does monsieur expect to be able to refund me that money?” + </p> + <p> + “But I told you,” said la Peyrade, stiffly, “that notaries never return on + demand the money placed in their hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Does monsieur think that if I went to see Monsieur Dupuis himself and + asked him—” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said la Peyrade, interrupting her, “that you would do a most + ridiculous thing. He received the money from me in my own name, as you + requested, and he knows only me in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Then monsieur will be so kind, will he not, as to get back that money for + me as soon as possible? I am sure I would not wish to press monsieur, but + in two or three months from now I may want it; I have heard of a little + property it would suit me to buy.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Madame Lambert,” said la Peyrade, with well-concealed + irritation, “it shall be done as you wish; and in less time, perhaps, than + you have stated I shall hope to return your money to you.” + </p> + <p> + “That won’t inconvenience monsieur, I trust,” said the woman; “he told me + that at the first indiscretion I committed—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, that is all understood,” said la Peyrade, interrupting her. + </p> + <p> + “Then I have the honor to be the very humble servant of these gentlemen,” + said Madame Lambert, now departing definitively. + </p> + <p> + “You see, my friend, the trouble you have got me into,” said la Peyrade to + Thuillier as soon as they were alone, “and to what I am exposed by my + kindness in satisfying your diseased mind. That debt was dormant; it was + in a chronic state; and you have waked it up and made it acute. The woman + brought me the money and insisted on my keeping it, at a good rate of + interest. I refused at first; then I agreed to place it in Dupuis’s hands, + explaining to her that it couldn’t be withdrawn at once; but subsequently, + when Dutocq pressed me, I decided, after all, to keep it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I am dreadfully sorry, dear friend, for my silly credulity. But don’t be + uneasy about the exactions of that woman; we will manage to arrange all + that, even if I have to make you an advance upon Celeste’s ‘dot.’” + </p> + <p> + “My excellent friend,” said la Peyrade, “it is absolutely necessary that + we should talk over our private arrangements; to tell you the truth, I + have no fancy for being hauled up every morning and questioned as to my + conduct. Just now, while waiting for that woman, I drew up a little + agreement, which you and I will discuss and sign, if you please, before + the first number of the paper is issued.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Thuillier, “our deed of partnership seems to me to settle—” + </p> + <p> + “—that by a paltry forfeit of five thousand francs, as stated in + Article 14,” interrupted Theodose, “you can put me, when you choose, out + of doors. No, I thank you! After my experience to-day, I want some better + security than that.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Cerizet with a lively and all-conquering air, entered the + room. + </p> + <p> + “My masters!” he exclaimed, “I’ve brought the money; and we can now sign + the bond.” + </p> + <p> + Then, remarking that his news was received with extreme coldness, he + added:— + </p> + <p> + “Well? what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “It is this,” replied Thuillier: “I refuse to be associated with + double-face men and calumniators. We have no need of you or your money; + and I request you not to honor these precincts any longer with your + presence.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear! dear! dear!” said Cerizet; “so papa Thuillier has let the wool be + pulled over his eyes again!” + </p> + <p> + “Leave the room!” said Thuillier; “you have nothing more to do here.” + </p> + <p> + “Hey, my boy!” said Cerizet, turning to la Peyrade, “so you’ve twisted the + old bourgeois round your finger again? Well, well, no matter! I think you + are making a mistake not to go and see du Portail, and I shall tell him—” + </p> + <p> + “Leave this house!” cried Thuillier, in a threatening tone. + </p> + <p> + “Please remember, my dear monsieur, that I never asked you to employ me; I + was well enough off before you sent for me, and I shall be after. But I’ll + give you a piece of advice: don’t pay the twenty-five thousand francs out + of your own pocket, for that’s hanging to your nose.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Cerizet put his thirty-three thousand francs in banknotes back + into his wallet, took his hat from the table, carefully smoothed the nap + with his forearm and departed. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier had been led by Cerizet into what proved to be a most disastrous + campaign. Now become the humble servant of la Peyrade, he was forced to + accept his conditions, which were as follows: five hundred francs a month + for la Peyrade’s services in general; his editorship of the paper to be + paid at the rate of fifty francs a column,—which was simply + enormous, considering the small size of the sheet; a binding pledge to + continue the publication of the paper for six months, under pain of the + forfeiture of fifteen thousand francs; an absolute omnipotence in the + duties of editor-in-chief,—that is to say, the sovereign right of + inserting, controlling, and rejecting all articles without being called to + explain the reasons of his actions,—such were the stipulations of a + treaty in duplicate made openly, “in good faith,” between the contracting + parties. <i>But</i>, in virtue of another and secret agreement, Thuillier + gave security for the payment of the twenty-five thousand francs for which + la Peyrade was accountable to Madame Lambert, binding the said Sieur de la + Peyrade, in case the payment were required before his marriage with + Celeste Colleville could take place, to acknowledge the receipt of said + sum advanced upon the dowry. + </p> + <p> + Matters being thus arranged and accepted by the candidate, who saw no + chance of election if he lost la Peyrade, Thuillier was seized with a + happy thought. He went to the Cirque-Olympique, where he remembered to + have seen in the ticket-office a former employee in his office at the + ministry of Finance,—a man named Fleury; to whom he proposed the + post of manager. Fleury, being an old soldier, a good shot, and a skilful + fencer, would certainly make himself an object of respect in a newspaper + office. The working-staff of the paper being thus reconstituted, with the + exception of a few co-editors or reporters to be added later, but whom la + Peyrade, thanks to the facility of his pen, was able for the present to do + without, the first number of the new paper was launched upon the world. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier now recommenced the explorations about Paris which we saw him + make on the publication of his pamphlet. Entering all reading-rooms and + cafes, he asked for the “Echo de la Bievre,” and when informed, alas, very + frequently, that the paper was unknown in this or that establishment, “It + is incredible!” he would exclaim, “that a house which respects itself does + not take such a widely known paper.” + </p> + <p> + On that, he departed disdainfully, not observing that in many places, + where this ancient trick of commercial travellers was well understood, + they were laughing behind his back. + </p> + <p> + The evening of the day when the inauguration number containing the + “profession of faith” appeared, Brigitte’s salon, although the day was not + Sunday, was filled with visitors. Reconciled to la Peyrade, whom her + brother had brought home to dinner, the old maid went so far as to tell + him that, without flattery, she thought his leading article was a famous + HIT. For that matter, all the guests as they arrived, reported that the + public seemed enchanted with the first number of the new journal. + </p> + <p> + The public! everybody knows what that is. To every man who launches a bit + of writing into the world, the public consists of five or six intimates + who cannot, without offending the author, avoid knowing something more or + less of his lucubrations. + </p> + <p> + “As for me!” cried Colleville, “I can truthfully declare that it is the + first political article I ever read that didn’t send me to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “It is certain,” said Phellion, “that the leading article seems to me to + be stamped with vigor joined to an atticism which we may seek in vain in + the columns of the other public prints.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Dutocq, “the matter is very well presented; and besides, + there’s a turn of phrase, a clever diction, that doesn’t belong to + everybody. However, we must wait and see how it keeps on. I fancy that + to-morrow the ‘Echo de la Bievre’ will be strongly attacked by the other + papers.” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” cried Thuillier, “that’s what we are hoping for; and if the + government would only do us the favor to seize us—” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said Fleury, whom Thuillier had also brought home to + dinner, “I don’t want to enter upon those functions at first.” + </p> + <p> + “Seized!” said Dutocq, “oh, you won’t be seized; but I think the + ministerial journals will fire a broadside at you.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Thuillier was at the office as early as eight o’clock, in + order to be the first to receive that formidable salvo. After looking + through every morning paper he was forced to admit that there was no more + mention of the “Echo de la Bievre” than if it didn’t exist. When la + Peyrade arrived he found his unhappy friend in a state of consternation. + </p> + <p> + “Does that surprise you?” said the Provencal, tranquilly. “I let you enjoy + yesterday your hopes of a hot engagement with the press; but I knew myself + that in all probability there wouldn’t be the slightest mention of us in + to-day’s papers. Against every paper which makes its debut with some + distinction, there’s always a two weeks’, sometimes a two months’ + conspiracy of silence.” + </p> + <p> + “Conspiracy of silence!” echoed Thuillier, with admiration. + </p> + <p> + He did not know what it meant, but the words had a grandeur and a <i>something</i> + that appealed to his imagination. After la Peyrade had explained to him + that by “conspiracy of silence” was meant the agreement of existing + journals to make no mention of new-comers lest such notice should serve to + advertise them, Thuillier’s mind was hardly better satisfied than it had + been by the pompous flow of the words. The bourgeois is born so; words are + coins which he takes and passes without question. For a word, he will + excite himself or calm down, insult or applaud. With a word, he can be + brought to make a revolution and overturn a government of his own choice. + </p> + <p> + The paper, however, was only a means; the object was Thuillier’s election. + This was insinuated rather than stated in the first numbers. But one + morning, in the columns of the “Echo,” appeared a letter from several + electors thanking their delegate to the municipal council for the firm and + frankly liberal attitude in which he had taken on all questions of local + interests. “This firmness,” said the letter, “had brought down upon him + the persecution of the government, which, towed at the heels of + foreigners, had sacrificed Poland and sold itself to England. The + arrondissement needed a man of such tried convictions to represent it in + the Chamber,—a man holding high and firm the banner of dynastic + opposition, a man who would be, by the mere signification of his name, a + stern lesson given to the authorities.” + </p> + <p> + Enforced by an able commentary from la Peyrade, this letter was signed by + Barbet and Metivier and all Brigitte’s tradesmen (whom, in view of the + election she had continued to employ since her emigration); also by the + family doctor and apothecary, and by Thuillier’s builder, and Barniol, + Phellion’s son-in-law, who professed to hold rather “advanced” political + opinions. As for Phellion himself, he thought the wording of the letter + not altogether circumspect, and—always without fear as without + reproach—however much he might expect that this refusal would injure + his son in his dearest interests, he bravely refrained from signing it. + </p> + <p> + This trial kite had the happiest effect. The ten or a dozen names thus put + forward were considered to express the will of the electors and were + called “the voice of the quarter.” Thus Thuillier’s candidacy made from + the start such rapid progress that Minard hesitated to put his own claims + in opposition. + </p> + <p> + Delighted now with the course of events, Brigitte was the first to say + that the time had come to attend to the marriage, and Thuillier was all + the more ready to agree because, from day to day, he feared he might be + called upon to pay the twenty-five thousand francs to Madame Lambert for + which he had pledged himself. A thorough explanation now took place + between la Peyrade and the old maid. She told him honestly of the fear she + felt as to the maintenance of her sovereign authority when a <i>son-in-law</i> + of his mind and character was established in the household. + </p> + <p> + “If we,” she ended by saying, “are to oppose each other for the rest of + our days, it would be much better, from the beginning, to make two + households; we shouldn’t be the less friends for that.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade replied that nothing under the sun would induce him to consent + to such a plan; on the contrary, he regarded as amongst his happiest + prospects for the future the security he should feel about the wise + management of the material affairs of the home in such hands as hers. He + should have enough to do in the management of outside interests, and he + could not comprehend, for his part, how she could suppose he had ever had + the thought of interfering in matters that were absolutely out of his + province. In short, he reassured her so completely that she urged him to + take immediate steps for the publication of the banns and the signature of + the marriage contract,—declaring that she reserved to herself all + the preparations relating to Celeste, whose acceptance of this sudden + conclusion she pledged herself to secure. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child,” she said to Celeste the next morning, “I think you have + given up all idea of being Felix Phellion’s wife. In the first place, he + is more of an atheist than ever, and, besides, you must have noticed + yourself that his mind is quite shaky. You have seen at Madame Minard’s + that Madame Marmus, who married a savant, officer of the Legion of honor, + and member of the Institute. There’s not a more unhappy woman; her husband + has taken her to live behind the Luxembourg, in the rue Duguay-Trouin, a + street that is neither paved nor lighted. When he goes out, he doesn’t + know where he is going; he gets to the Champ de Mars when he wants to go + to the Faubourg Poissoniere; he isn’t even capable of giving his address + to the driver of a street cab; and he is so absent-minded he couldn’t tell + if it were before dinner or after. You can imagine what sort of time a + woman must have with a man whose nose is always at a telescope snuffing + stars.” + </p> + <p> + “But Felix,” said Celeste, “is not as absent-minded as that.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not, because he is younger; but with years his + absent-mindedness and his atheism will both increase. We have therefore + decided that he is not the husband you want, and we all, your mother, + father, Thuillier and myself, have determined that you shall take la + Peyrade, a man of the world, who will make his way, and one who has done + us great services in the past, and who will, moreover, make your godfather + deputy. We are disposed to give you, in consideration of him, a much + larger ‘dot’ than we should give to any other husband. So, my dear, it is + settled; the banns are to be published immediately, and this day week we + sign the contract. There’s to be a great dinner for the family and + intimates, and after that a reception, at which the contract will be + signed and your trousseau and corbeille exhibited. As I take all that into + my own hands I’ll answer for it that everything shall be of the best kind; + especially if you are not babyish, and give in pleasantly to our ideas.” + </p> + <p> + “But, aunt Brigitte,” began Celeste, timidly. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no ‘but,’ in the matter,” said the old maid, imperiously; “it is + all arranged, and will be carried out, unless, mademoiselle, you pretend + to have more wisdom than your elders.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do as you choose, aunt,” replied Celeste, feeling as if a + thunder-cloud had burst upon her head, and knowing but too well that she + had no power to struggle against the iron will which had just pronounced + her doom. + </p> + <p> + She went at once to pour her sorrows into Madame Thuillier’s soul; but + when she heard her godmother advising patience and resignation the poor + child felt that from that feeble quarter she could get no help for even + the slightest effort of resistance, and that her sacrifice was virtually + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + Precipitating herself with a sort of frenzy into the new element of + activity thus introduced into her life, Brigitte took the field in the + making of the trousseau and the purchase of the corbeille. Like many + misers, who on great occasions come out of their habits and their nature, + the old maid now thought nothing too good for her purpose; and she flung + her money about so lavishly that until the day appointed for the signing + of the contract, the jeweller, dressmaker, milliner, lingere, etc. (all + chosen from the best establishments in Paris), seemed to occupy the house. + </p> + <p> + “It is like a procession,” said Josephine, the cook, admiringly, to + Francoise, the Minards’ maid; “the bell never stops ringing from morning + till night.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. A STAR + </h2> + <p> + The dinner on the great occasion was ordered from Chabot and Potel, and + not from Chevet, by which act Brigitte intended to prove her initiative + and her emancipation from the late Madame de Godollo. The invited guests + were as follows: three Collevilles, including the bride, la Peyrade the + groom, Dutocq and Fleury, whom he had asked to be his witnesses, the + extremely limited number of his relatives leaving him no choice, Minard + and Rabourdin, chosen as witnesses for Celeste, Madame and Mademoiselle + Minard and Minard junior, two of Thuillier’s colleagues in the + Council-general; the notary Dupuis, charged with the duty of drawing up + the contract, and lastly, the Abbe Gondrin, director of the consciences of + Madame Thuillier and Celeste, who was to give the nuptial blessing. + </p> + <p> + The latter was the former vicar of Saint-Jacques du Haut-Pas, whose great + refinement of manner and gift of preaching had induced the archbishop to + remove him from the humble parish where his career had begun to the + aristocratic church of the Madeleine. Since Madame Thuillier and Celeste + had again become his parishioners, the young abbe visited them + occasionally, and Thuillier, who had gone to him to explain, after his own + fashion, the suitableness of the choice made for Celeste in the person of + la Peyrade (taking pains as he did so to cast reflections on the religious + opinions of Felix Phellion), had easily led him to contribute by his + persuasive words to the resignation of the victim. + </p> + <p> + When the time came to sit down to table three guests were missing,—two + Minards, father and son, and the notary Dupuis. The latter had written a + note to Thuillier in the morning, excusing himself from the dinner, but + saying that at nine o’clock precisely he would bring the contract and + place himself at the orders of Mademoiselle Thuillier. As for Julien + Minard, his mother excused him as being confined to his room with a + sore-throat. The absence of Minard senior remained unexplained, but Madame + Minard insisted that they should sit down to table without him; which was + done, Brigitte ordering that the soup be kept hot for him, because in the + bourgeois code of manners and customs a dinner without soup is no dinner + at all. + </p> + <p> + The repast was far from gay, and though the fare was better, the vivacity + and the warmth of the conversation was far, indeed, from that of the + famous improvised banquet at the time of the election to the + Council-general. The gaps occasioned by the absence of three guests may + have been one reason; then Flavie was glum; she had had an interview with + la Peyrade in the afternoon which ended in tears; Celeste, even if she had + been content with the choice imposed on her, would scarcely, as a matter + of propriety, have seemed joyful; in fact, she made no effort to brighten + a sad face, and dared not look at her godmother, whose own countenance + gave the impression, if we may so express it, of the long bleating of a + sheep. The poor girl seeing this feared to exchange a look with her lest + she might drive her to tears. Thuillier now felt himself, on all sides, of + such importance that he was pompous and consequential; while Brigitte, + uneasy out of her own world, where she could lord it over every one + without competition, seemed constrained and embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + Colleville tried by a few jovialities to raise the temperature of the + assemblage; but the coarse salt of his witticisms had an effect, in the + atmosphere in which he produced them, of a loud laugh in a sick-chamber; + and a mute intimation from his wife, Thuillier, and la Peyrade to <i>behave + himself</i> put a stopper on his liveliness and turbulent expansion. It + was somewhat remarkable that the gravest member of the party, aided by + Rabourdin, was the person who finally warmed up the atmosphere. The Abbe + Gondrin, a man of a most refined and cultivated mind, had, like every pure + and well-ordered soul, a fund of gentle gaiety which he was well able to + communicate, and liveliness was beginning to dawn upon the party when + Minard entered the room. + </p> + <p> + After making his excuses on the ground of important duties, the mayor of + the eleventh arrondissement, who was in the habit of taking the lead in + the conversation wherever he went, said, having swallowed a few hasty + mouthfuls:— + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs and mesdames, have you heard the great news?” + </p> + <p> + “No, what is it?” cried several voices at once. + </p> + <p> + “The Academy of Sciences received, to-day, at its afternoon session, the + announcement of a vast discovery: the heavens possess a new star!” + </p> + <p> + “Tiens!” said Colleville; “that will help to replace the one that Beranger + thought was lost when he grieved (to that air of ‘Octavie’) over + Chateaubriand’s departure: ‘Chateaubriand, why fly thy land?’” + </p> + <p> + This quotation, which he sang, exasperated Flavie, and if the custom had + been for wives to sit next to their husbands, the former clarionet of the + Opera-Comique would not have escaped with a mere “Colleville!” imperiously + calling him to order. + </p> + <p> + “The point which gives this great astronomical event a special interest on + this occasion,” continued Minard, “is that the author of the discovery is + a denizen of the twelfth arrondissement, which many of you still inhabit, + or have inhabited. But other points are striking in this great scientific + fact. The Academy, on the reading of the communication which announced it, + was so convinced of the existence of this star that a deputation was + appointed to visit the domicile of the modern Galileo and compliment him + in the name of the whole body. And yet this star is not visible to either + the eye or the telescope! It is only by the power of calculation and + induction that its existence and the place it occupies in the heavens have + been proved in the most irrefutable manner: ‘There <i>must</i> be <i>there</i> + a hitherto unknown star; I cannot see it, but I am sure of it,’—that + is what this man of science said to the Academy, whom he instantly + convinced by his deductions. And do you know, messieurs, who is this + Christopher Columbus of a new celestial world? An old man, two-thirds + blind, who has scarcely eyes enough to walk in the street.” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful! Marvellous! Admirable!” came from all sides. + </p> + <p> + “What is the name of this learned man?” asked several voices. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Picot, or, if you prefer it, pere Picot, for that is how they + call him in the rue du Val-de-Grace, where he lives. He is simply an old + professor of mathematics, who has turned out several very fine pupils,—by + the bye, Felix Phellion, whom we all know, studied under him, and it was + he who read, on behalf of his blind old master, the communication to the + Academy this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + Hearing that name, and remembering the promise Felix had made her to lift + her to the skies, which, as he said it, she had fancied a sign of madness, + Celeste looked at Madame Thuillier, whose face had taken a sudden glow of + animation, and seemed to say to her, “Courage, my child! all is not lost.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Theodose,” said Thuillier, “Felix is coming here to-night; you + must take him aside and get him to give you a copy of that communication; + it would be a fine stroke of fortune for the ‘Echo’ to be the first to + publish it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Minard, assuming the answer, “that would do good service to + the public, for the affair is going to make a great noise. The committee, + not finding Monsieur Picot at home, went straight to the Minister of + Public Instruction; and the minister flew to the Tuileries and saw the + King; and the ‘Messager’ came out this evening—strange to say, so + early that I could read it in my carriage as I drove along—with an + announcement that Monsieur Picot is named Chevalier of the Legion of + honor, with a pension of eighteen hundred francs from the fund devoted to + the encouragement of science and letters.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Thuillier, “there’s one cross at least well bestowed.” + </p> + <p> + “But eighteen hundred francs for the pension seems to me rather paltry,” + said Dutocq. + </p> + <p> + “So it does,” said Thuillier, “and all the more because that money comes + from the tax-payers; and, when one sees the taxes, as we do, frittered + away on court favorites—” + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen hundred francs a year,” interrupted Minard, “is certainly + something, especially for savants, a class of people who are accustomed to + live on very little.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I have heard,” said la Peyrade, “that this very Monsieur Picot + leads a strange life, and that his family, who at first wanted to shut him + up as a lunatic, are now trying to have guardians appointed over him. They + say he allows a servant-woman who keeps his house to rob him of all he + has. Parbleu! Thuillier, you know her; it is that woman who came to the + office the other day about some money in Dupuis’s hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, true,” said Thuillier, significantly; “you are right, I do know + her.” + </p> + <p> + “It is queer,” said Brigitte, seeing a chance to enforce the argument she + had used to Celeste, “that all these learned men are good for nothing + outside of their science; in their homes they have to be treated like + children.” + </p> + <p> + “That proves,” said the Abbe Gondrin, “the great absorption which their + studies give to their minds, and, at the same time, a simplicity of nature + which is very touching.” + </p> + <p> + “When they are not as obstinate as mules,” said Brigitte, hastily. “For + myself, monsieur l’abbe, I must say that if I had had any idea of + marriage, a savant wouldn’t have suited me at all. What do they do, these + savants, anyhow? Useless things most of the time. You are all admiring one + who has discovered a star; but as long as we are in this world what good + is that to us? For all the use we make of stars it seems to me we have got + enough of them as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Bravo, Brigitte!” said Colleville, getting loose again; “you are right, + my girl, and I think, as you do, that the man who discovers a new dish + deserves better of humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “Colleville,” said Flavie, “I must say that your style of behavior is in + the worst taste.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear lady,” said the Abbe Gondrin, addressing Brigitte, “you might be + right if we were formed of matter only; and if, bound to our body, there + were not a soul with instincts and appetites that must be satisfied. Well, + I think that this sense of the infinite which is within us, and which we + all try to satisfy each in our own way, is marvellously well helped by the + labors of astronomy, that reveal to us from time to time new worlds which + the hand of the Creator has put into space. The infinite in you has taken + another course; this passion for the comfort of those about you, this + warm, devoted, ardent affection which you feel for your brother, are + equally the manifestation of aspirations which have nothing material about + them, and which, in seeking their end and object, never think of asking, + ‘What good does that do? what is the use of this?’ Besides, I must assure + you that the stars are not as useless as you seem to think. Without them + how would navigators cross the sea? They would be puzzled to get you the + vanilla with which you have flavored the delicious cream I am now eating. + So, as Monsieur Colleville has perceived, there is more affinity than you + think between a dish and a star; no one should be despised,—neither + an astronomer nor a good housekeeper—” + </p> + <p> + The abbe was here interrupted by the noise of a lively altercation in the + antechamber. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you that I will go in,” said a loud voice. + </p> + <p> + “No, monsieur, you shall not go in,” said another voice, that of the + man-servant. “The company are at table, I tell you, and nobody has the + right to force himself in.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier turned pale; ever since the seizure of his pamphlet, he fancied + all sudden arrivals meant the coming of the police. + </p> + <p> + Among the various social rules imparted to Brigitte by Madame de Godollo, + the one that most needed repeating was the injunction never, as mistress + of the house, to rise from the table until she gave the signal for + retiring. But present circumstances appeared to warrant the infraction of + the rule. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go and see what it is,” she said to Thuillier, whose anxiety she + noticed at once. “What <i>is</i> the matter?” she said to the servant as + soon as she reached the scene of action. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s a gentleman who wants to come in, and says that no one is ever + dining at eight o’clock at night.” + </p> + <p> + “But who are you, monsieur?” said Brigitte, addressing an old man very + oddly dressed, whose eyes were protected by a green shade. + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I am neither a beggar nor a vagabond,” replied the old man, in + stentorian tones; “my name is Picot, professor of mathematics.” + </p> + <p> + “Rue du Val-de-Grace?” asked Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madame,—No. 9, next to the print-shop.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in, monsieur, come in; we shall be only too happy to receive you,” + cried Thuillier, who, on hearing the name, had hurried out to meet the + savant. + </p> + <p> + “Hein! you scamp,” said the learned man, turning upon the man-servant, who + had retired, seeing that the matter was being settled amicably, “I told + you I should get in.” + </p> + <p> + Pere Picot was a tall old man, with an angular, stern face, who, despite + the corrective of a blond wig with heavy curls, and that of the pacific + green shade we have already mentioned, expressed on his large features, + upon which the fury of study had produced a surface of leaden pallor, a + snappish and quarrelsome disposition. Of this he had already given proof + before entering the dining-room, where every one now rose to receive him. + </p> + <p> + His costume consisted of a huge frock-coat, something between a paletot + and a dressing-gown, between which an immense waistcoat of iron-gray + cloth, fastened from the throat to the pit of the stomach with two rows of + buttons, hussar fashion, formed a sort of buckler. The trousers, though + October was nearing its close, were made of black lasting, and gave + testimony to long service by the projection of a darn on the otherwise + polished surface covering the knees, the polish being produced by the + rubbing of the hands upon those parts. But, in broad daylight, the feature + of the old savant’s appearance which struck the eye most vividly was a + pair of Patagonian feet, imprisoned in slippers of beaver cloth, the + which, moulded upon the mountainous elevations of gigantic bunions, made + the spectator think, involuntarily, of the back of a dromedary or an + advanced case of elephantiasis. + </p> + <p> + Once installed in a chair which was hastily brought for him, and the + company having returned to their places at table, the old man suddenly + burst out in thundering tones, amid the silence created by curiosity:— + </p> + <p> + “Where is he,—that rogue, that scamp? Let him show himself; let him + dare to speak to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Who is it that offends you, my dear monsieur?” said Thuillier, in + conciliating accents, in which there was a slight tone of patronage. + </p> + <p> + “A scamp whom I couldn’t find in his own home, and they told me he was + here, in this house. I’m in the apartment, I think, of Monsieur Thuillier + of the Council-general, place de la Madeleine, first story above the + entresol?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely,” said Thuillier; “and allow me to add, monsieur, that you are + surrounded with the respect and sympathy of all.” + </p> + <p> + “And you will doubtless permit me to add,” said Minard, “that the mayor of + the arrondissement adjoining that which you inhabit congratulates himself + on being here in presence of Monsieur Picot,—<i>the</i> Monsieur + Picot, no doubt, who has just immortalized his name by the discovery of a + star!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur,” replied the professor, elevating to a still higher pitch + the stentorian diapason of his voice, “I am Picot (Nepomucene), but I have + not discovered a star; I don’t concern myself with any such fiddle-faddle; + besides, my eyes are very weak; and that insolent young fellow I have come + here to find is making me ridiculous with such talk. I don’t see him here; + he is hiding himself, I know; he dares not look me in the face.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this person who annoys you?” asked several voices at once. + </p> + <p> + “An unnatural pupil of mine,” replied the old mathematician; “a scamp, but + full of ideas; his name is Felix Phellion.” + </p> + <p> + The name was received, as may well be imagined, with amazement. Finding + the situation amusing, Colleville and la Peyrade went off into fits of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “You laugh, fools!” cried the irate old man, rising. “Yes, come and laugh + within reach of my arm.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he brandished a thick stick with a white china handle, which he + used to guide himself, thereby nearly knocking over a candelabrum on the + dinner-table upon Madame Minard’s head. + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, monsieur,” cried Brigitte, springing forward and + seizing his arm. “Monsieur Felix is not here. He will probably come later + to a reception we are about to give; but at present he has not arrived.” + </p> + <p> + “They don’t begin early, your receptions,” said the old man; “it is past + eight o’clock. Well, as Monsieur Felix is coming later, you must allow me + to wait for him. I believe you were eating your dinners; don’t let me + disturb you.” + </p> + <p> + And he went back peaceably to his chair. + </p> + <p> + “As you permit it, monsieur,” said Brigitte, “we will continue, or, I + should say, finish dinner, for we are now at the dessert. May I offer you + anything,—a glass of champagne and a biscuit?” + </p> + <p> + “I am very willing, madame,” replied the intruder. “No one ever refuses + champagne, and I am always ready to eat between my meals; but you dine + very late.” + </p> + <p> + A place was made for him at table between Colleville and Mademoiselle + Minard, and the former made it his business to fill the glass of his new + neighbor, before whom was placed a dish of small cakes. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said la Peyrade in a cajoling tone, “you saw how surprised we + were to hear you complain of Monsieur Felix Phellion,—so amiable, so + inoffensive a young man. What has he done to you, that you should feel so + angry with him?” + </p> + <p> + With his mouth full of cakes, which he was engulfing in quantities that + made Brigitte uneasy, the professor made a sign that he would soon answer; + then, having mistaken his glass and swallowed the contents of + Colleville’s, he replied:— + </p> + <p> + “You ask what that insolent young man had done to me? A rascally thing; + and not the first, either. He knows that I cannot abide stars, having very + good reason to hate them, as you shall hear: In 1807, being attached to + the Bureau of Longitudes, I was part of the scientific expedition sent to + Spain, under the direction of my friend and colleague, Jean-Baptiste Biot, + to determine the arc of the terrestrial meridian from Barcelona to the + Balearic isles. I was just in the act of observing a star (perhaps the + very one my rascally pupil has discovered), when suddenly, war having + broken out between France and Spain, the peasants, seeing me perched with + a telescope on Monte Galazzo, took it into their heads that I was making + signals to the enemy. A mob of savages broke my instruments, and talked of + stringing me up. They were just going to do it, when the captain of a + vessel took me prisoner and thrust me into the citadel of Belver, where I + spent three years in the harshest captivity. Since them, as you may well + believe, I loathe the whole celestial system; though I was, without + knowing it, the first to observe the famous comet of 1811; but I should + have taken care not to say a word about it if it had not been for Monsieur + Flauguergues, who announced it. Like all my pupils, Phellion knows my + aversion to stars, and he knew very well the worst trick he could play me + would be to saddle one on my back; and that deputation that came to play + the farce of congratulating me was mighty lucky not to find me at home, + for if they had, I can assure those gentlemen of the Academy, they would + have had a hot reception.” + </p> + <p> + Everybody present thought the old mathematician’s monomania quite + delightful, except la Peyrade, who now, in perceiving Felix Phellion’s + part in the affair, regretted deeply having caused the explanation. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, Monsieur Picot,” said Minard, “if Felix Phellion is only guilty + of attributing his discovery to you, it seems to me that his indiscreet + behavior has resulted in a certain compensation to you: the cross of the + Legion of honor, a pension, and the glory attached to your name are not to + be despised.” + </p> + <p> + “The cross and the pension I take,” said the old man, emptying his glass, + which, to Brigitte’s terror, he set down upon the table with a force that + threatened to smash it. “The government has owed them to me these twenty + years; not for the discovery of stars,—things that I have always + despised,—but for my famous ‘Treatise on Differential Logarithms’ + (Kepler thought proper to call them monologarithms), which is a sequel to + the tables of Napier; also for my ‘Postulatum’ of Euclid, of which I was + the first to discover the solution; but above all, for my ‘Theory of + Perpetual Motion,’—four volumes in quarto with plates; Paris, 1825. + You see, therefore, monsieur, that to give me glory is bringing water to + the Seine. I had so little need of Monsieur Felix Phellion to make me a + position in the scientific world that I turned him out of my house long + ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it isn’t the first star,” said Colleville, flippantly, “that he + dared to put upon you?” + </p> + <p> + “He did worse than that,” roared the old man; “he ruined my reputation, he + tarnished my name. My ‘Theory of Perpetual Motion,’ the printing of which + cost me every penny I owned, though it ought to have been printed gratis + at the Royal Printing-office, was calculated to make my fortune and render + me immortal. Well, that miserable Felix prevented it. From time to time, + pretending to bring messages from my editor, he would say, the young + sycophant, ‘Papa Picot, your book is selling finely; here’s five hundred + francs—two hundred francs—and once it was two thousand—which + your publisher charged me to give you.’ This thing went on for years, and + my publisher, who had the baseness to enter into the plot, would say to + me, when I went to the shop: ‘Yes, yes, it doesn’t do badly, it <i>bubbles</i>, + that book; we shall soon be at the end of this edition.’ I, who didn’t + suggest anything, I pocketed my money, and thought to myself: ‘My book is + liked, little by little its ideas are making their way; I may now expect, + from day to day, that some great capitalist will come to me and propose to + apply my system—‘” + </p> + <p> + “—of ‘Absorption of Liquids’?” asked Colleville, who had been + steadily filling the old fellow’s glass. + </p> + <p> + “No, monsieur, my ‘Theory of Perpetual Motion,’ 4 vols. in quarto with + plates. But no! days, weeks went by and nobody came; so, thinking that my + publisher did not put all the energy he should into the matter, I tried to + sell the second edition to another man. It was that, monsieur, that + enabled me to discover the whole plot, on which, as I said before, I + turned that serpent out of my house. In six years only nine copies had + been sold! Kept quiet in false security I had done nothing for the + propagation of my book, which had been left to take care of itself; and + thus it was that I, victim of black and wicked jealousy, was shamefully + despoiled of the value of my labors.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Minard, making himself the mouthpiece of the thoughts of the + company, “may we not see in that act a manner as ingenious as it was + delicate to—” + </p> + <p> + “To give me alms! is that what you mean?” interrupted the old man, with a + roar that made Mademoiselle Minard jump in her chair; “to humiliate me, + dishonor me—me, his old professor! Am I in need of charity? Has + Picot (Nepomucene), to whom his wife brought a dowry of one hundred + thousand francs, ever stretched out his palm to any one? But in these days + nothing is respected. Old fellows, as they call us, our religion and our + good faith is taken advantage of so that these youths may say to the + public: ‘Old drivellers, don’t you see now they are good for nothing? It + needs <i>us</i>, the young generation, <i>us</i>, the moderns, <i>us</i>, + Young France, to bring them up on a bottle.’ Young greenhorn! let me see + <i>you</i> try to feed <i>me</i>! Old drivellers know more in their little + finger than you in your whole brain, and you’ll never be worth us, paltry + little intriguer that you are! However, I know my day of vengeance will + come; that young Phellion can’t help ending badly; what he did to-day, + reading a statement to the Academy, under my name, was forgery, forgery! + and the law will send him to the galleys for that.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Colleville, “forgery of a public star.” + </p> + <p> + Brigitte, who quaked for her glasses, and whose nerves were exacerbated by + the monstrous consumption of cakes and wine, now gave the signal to return + to the salon. Besides, she had heard the door-bell ring several times, + announcing the arrival of guests for the evening. The question then was + how to transplant the professor, and Colleville politely offered him his + arm. + </p> + <p> + “No, monsieur,” he said, “you must allow me to stay where I am. I am not + dressed for a party, and besides, a strong light hurts my eyes. Moreover, + I don’t choose to give myself as a spectacle; it will be best that my + interview with Felix Phellion should take place between ‘four-eyes,’ as + they say.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let him alone, then,” said Brigitte to Colleville. + </p> + <p> + No one insisted,—the old man having, unconsciously, pretty nigh + discrowned himself in the opinion of the company. But before leaving, the + careful housewife removed everything that was at all fragile from his + reach; then, by way of a slight attention, she said:— + </p> + <p> + “Shall I send you some coffee?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll take it, madame,” responded pere Picot, “and some cognac with it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! parbleu! he takes everything,” said Brigitte to the male domestic, + and she told the latter to keep an eye on the old madman. + </p> + <p> + When Brigitte returned to the salon she found that the Abbe Gondrin had + become the centre of a great circle formed by nearly the whole company, + and as she approached, she heard him say:— + </p> + <p> + “I thank Heaven for bestowing upon me such a pleasure. I have never felt + an emotion like that aroused by the scene we have just witnessed; even the + rather burlesque form of this confidence, which was certainly very + artless, for it was quite involuntary, only adds to the honor of the + surprising generosity it revealed. Placed as I am by my ministry in the + way of knowing of many charities, and often either the witness or + intermediary of good actions, I think I never in my life have met with a + more touching or a more ingenious devotion. To keep the left hand ignorant + of what the right hand does is a great step in Christianity; but to go so + far as to rob one’s self of one’s own fame to benefit another under such + conditions is the gospel applied in its highest precepts; it is being more + than a Sister of Charity; it is doing the work of an apostle of + beneficence. How I should like to know that noble young man, and shake him + by the hand.” + </p> + <p> + With her arm slipped through that of her godmother, Celeste was standing + very near the priest, her ears intent upon his words, her arm pressing + tighter and tighter that of Madame Thuillier, as the abbe analyzed the + generous action of Felix Phellion, until at last she whispered under her + breath:— + </p> + <p> + “You hear, godmother, you hear!” + </p> + <p> + To destroy the inevitable effect which this hearty praise would surely + have on Celeste, Thuillier hastened to say:— + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, Monsieur l’abbe, the young man of whom you speak so warmly + is not altogether unknown to you. I have had occasion to tell you about + him, and to regret that it was not possible to follow out certain plans + which we once entertained for him; I allude to the very compromising + independence he affects in his religious opinions.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! is that the young man?” said the abbe; “you surprise me much; I must + say such an idea would never have crossed my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “You will see him presently, Monsieur l’abbe,” said la Peyrade, joining in + the conversation, “and if you question him on certain grounds you will + have no difficulty in discovering the ravages that a love of science can + commit in the most gifted souls.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I shall not see him,” said the abbe, “as my black gown would + be out of place in the midst of the more earthly gaiety that will soon + fill this salon. But I know, Monsieur de la Peyrade, that you are a man of + sincerely pious convictions, and as, without any doubt, you feel as much + interest in the young man’s welfare as I do myself, I shall say to you in + parting: Do not be uneasy about him; sooner or later, such choice souls + come back to us, and if the return of these prodigals should be long + delayed I should not fear, on seeing them go to God, that His infinite + mercy would fail them.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the abbe looked about to find his hat, and proceeded to slip + quietly away. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a fearful uproar was heard. Rushing into the dining-room, whence + came a sound of furniture overturned and glasses breaking, Brigitte found + Colleville occupied in adjusting his cravat and looking himself over to be + sure that his coat, cruelly pulled awry, bore no signs of being actually + torn. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” cried Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + “It is that old idiot,” replied Colleville, “who is in a fury. I came to + take my coffee with him, just to keep him company, and he took a joke + amiss, and collared me, and knocked over two chairs and a tray of glasses + because Josephine didn’t get out of his way in time.” + </p> + <p> + “It is all because you’ve been teasing him,” said Brigitte, crossly; “why + couldn’t you stay in the salon instead of coming here to play your jokes, + as you call them? You think you are still in the orchestra of the + Opera-Comique.” + </p> + <p> + This sharp rebuke delivered, Brigitte, like the resolute woman that she + was, saw that she absolutely must get rid of the ferocious old man who + threatened her household with flames and blood. Accordingly, she + approached pere Picot, who was tranquilly engaged in burning brandy in his + saucer. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” she said, at the top of her lungs, as if she were speaking to + a deaf person (evidently thinking that a blind one ought to be treated in + the same manner), “I have come to tell you something that may annoy you. + Monsieur and Madame Phellion have just arrived, and they inform me that + their son, Monsieur Felix, is not coming. He has a cold and a + sore-throat.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he got it this afternoon reading that lecture,” cried the professor, + joyfully. “That’s justice!—Madame, where do you get your brandy?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, at my grocer’s,” replied Brigitte, taken aback by the question. + </p> + <p> + “Well, madame, I ought to tell you that in a house where one can drink + such excellent champagne, which reminds me of that we used to quaff at the + table of Monsieur de Fontanes, grand-master of the University, it is + shameful to keep such brandy. I tell you, with the frankness I put into + everything, that it is good only to wash your horses’ feet, and if I had + not the resource of burning it—” + </p> + <p> + “He is the devil in person,” thought Brigitte; “not a word of excuse about + all that glass, but he must needs fall foul of my brandy too!—Monsieur,” + she resumed, in the same raised diapason, “as Monsieur Felix is not + coming, don’t you think your family will be uneasy at your absence?” + </p> + <p> + “Family? I haven’t any, madame, owing to the fact that they want to make + me out a lunatic. But I have a housekeeper, Madame Lambert, and I dare say + she will be surprised not to see me home by this time. I think I had + better go now; if I stay later, the scene might be more violent. But I + must own that in this strange quarter I am not sure if I can find my way.” + </p> + <p> + “Then take a carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Carriage here, carriage there, indeed! my spiteful relations wouldn’t + lose the chance of calling me a spendthrift.” + </p> + <p> + “I have an important message to send into your quarter,” said Brigitte, + seeing she must resolve to make the sacrifice, “and I have just told my + porter to take a cab and attend to it. If you would like to take advantage + of that convenience—” + </p> + <p> + “I accept it, madame,” said the old professor, rising; “and, if it comes + to the worst, I hope you will testify before the judge that I was + niggardly about a cab.” + </p> + <p> + “Henri,” said Brigitte to the man-servant, “take monsieur down to the + porter and tell him to do the errand I told him about just now, and to + take monsieur to his own door, and be very careful of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Careful of him!” echoed the old man. “Do you take me for a trunk, madame, + or a bit of cracked china?” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that she had got her man fairly to the door, Brigitte allowed + herself to turn upon him. + </p> + <p> + “What I say, monsieur, is for your good. You must allow me to observe that + you have not an agreeable nature.” + </p> + <p> + “Careful of him! careful of him!” repeated the old man. “Don’t you know, + madame, that by the use of such words you may get people put into lunatic + asylums? However, I will not reply rudely to the polite hospitality I have + received,—all the more because, I think, I have put Monsieur Felix, + who missed me intentionally, in his right place.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, go, go, you old brute!” cried Brigitte, slamming the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + Before returning to the salon she was obliged to drink a whole glassful of + water, the restraint she had been forced to put upon herself in order to + get rid of this troublesome guest having, to use her own expression, “put + her all about.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. THE MAN WHO THINKS THE STAR TOO BRIGHT + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Minard paid a visit to Phellion in his study. The great + citizen and his son Felix were at that moment engaged in a conversation + which seemed to have some unusual interest for them. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Felix,” cried the mayor of the eleventh arrondissement, offering + his hand warmly to the young professor, “it is you who bring me here this + morning; I have come to offer you my congratulations.” + </p> + <p> + “What has occurred?” asked Phellion. “Have the Thuilliers—” + </p> + <p> + “It has nothing to do with the Thuilliers,” interrupted the mayor. “But,” + he added, looking hard at Felix, “can that sly fellow have concealed the + thing even from you?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think,” said Phellion, “that ever, in his life, has my son + concealed a thing from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you know about the sublime astronomical discovery which he + communicated to the Academy of Sciences yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “Your kindness for me, Monsieur le maire,” said Felix, hastily, “has led + you astray; I was only the reader of the communication.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! let me alone!” said Minard; “reader, indeed! I know all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “But see,” said Felix, offering Minard the “Constitutionnel,” “here’s the + paper; not only does it announce that Monsieur Picot is the maker of the + discovery, but it mentions the rewards which, without losing a moment, the + government has bestowed upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “Felix is right,” said Phellion; “that journal is to be trusted. On this + occasion I think the government has acted very properly.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear commander, I repeat to you that the truth of the affair has + got wind, and your son is shown to be a most admirable fellow. To put his + own discovery to the credit of his old professor so as to obtain for him + the recognition and favor of the authorities—upon my word, in all + antiquity I don’t know a finer trait!” + </p> + <p> + “Felix!” said Phellion, beginning to show some emotion, “these immense + labors to which you have devoted so much time of late, these continual + visits to the Observatory—” + </p> + <p> + “But, father,” interrupted Felix, “Monsieur Minard has been misinformed.” + </p> + <p> + “Misinformed!” cried Minard, “when I know the whole affair from Monsieur + Picot himself!” + </p> + <p> + At this argument, stated in a way to leave no possible doubt, the truth + began to dawn upon Phellion. + </p> + <p> + “Felix, my son!” he said, rising to embrace him. + </p> + <p> + But he was obliged to sit down again; his legs refused to bear his weight; + he turned pale; and that nature, ordinarily so impassible, seemed about to + give way under the shock of this happiness. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” said Felix, terrified, “he is ill; ring the bell, I entreat you, + Monsieur Minard.” + </p> + <p> + And he ran to the old man, loosened his cravat and unfastened the collar + of his shirt, striking him in the palms of his hands. But the sudden + faintness was but momentary; almost immediately himself again, Phellion + gathered his son to his heart, and holding him long in his embrace, he + said, in a voice broken by the tears that came to put an end to this shock + of joy:— + </p> + <p> + “Felix, my noble son! so great in heart, so great in mind!” + </p> + <p> + The bell had been rung by Minard with magisterial force, and with such an + accent that the whole household was alarmed, and came running in. + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing, it is nothing,” said Phellion to the servants, sending + them away. But almost at the same moment, seeing his wife, who now entered + the room, he resumed his habitual solemnity. + </p> + <p> + “Madame Phellion,” he said, pointing to Felix, “how many years is it since + you brought that young man into the world?” + </p> + <p> + Madame Phellion, bewildered by the question, hesitated a moment, and then + said:— + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five years next January.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not thought, until now, that God had amply granted your maternal + desires by making this child of your womb an honest man, a pious son, and + by gifting him for mathematics, that Science of sciences, with an aptitude + sufficiently remarkable?” + </p> + <p> + “I have,” said Madame Phellion, understanding less and less what her + husband was coming to. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued Phellion, “you owe to God an additional thanksgiving, + for He has granted that you be the mother of a man of genius; his toil, + which lately we rebuked, and which made us fear for the reason of our + child, was the way—the rough and jagged way—by which men come + to fame.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” cried Madame Phellion, “can’t you stop coming yourself to an + explanation of what you mean, and get there?” + </p> + <p> + “Your son,” said Minard, cautious this time in measuring the joy he was + about to bestow, fearing another fainting-fit of happiness, “has just made + a very important scientific discovery.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it true?” said Madame Phellion, going up to Felix, and taking him by + both hands as she looked at him lovingly. + </p> + <p> + “When I say important,” continued Minard, “I am only sparing your maternal + emotions; it is, in truth, a sublime, a dazzling discovery. He is only + twenty-five years old, but his name, from henceforth, is immortal.” + </p> + <p> + “And this is the man,” said Madame Phellion, half beside herself, and + kissing Felix with effusion, “to whom that la Peyrade is preferred!” + </p> + <p> + “No, not preferred, madame,” said Minard, “for the Thuilliers are not the + dupes of that adventurer. But he has made himself necessary to them. + Thuillier fancies that without la Peyrade he could not be elected; the + election is still doubtful, and they are sacrificing everything to it.” + </p> + <p> + “But isn’t it odious,” cried Madame Phellion, “to consider such interests + before the happiness of their child!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Minard, “but Celeste is not their child, only their adopted + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Brigitte’s, if you like,” said Madame Phellion; “but as for Thuillier—” + </p> + <p> + “My good wife,” said Phellion, “no censoriousness. The good God has just + sent us a great consolation; and, indeed, though certainly far advanced, + this marriage, about which I regret to say Felix does not behave with all + the philosophy I could desire, may still not take place.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that Felix shook his head with a look of incredulity, Minard + hastened to say:— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, the commander is quite right. Last night there was a hitch + about signing the contract, and it was not signed. You were not there, by + the bye, and your absence was much remarked upon.” + </p> + <p> + “We were invited,” said Phellion, “and up to the last moment we hesitated + whether to go or not. But, as you will readily see, our position was a + false one; besides, Felix—and I see now it must have been in + consequence of his lecture at the Academy—was completely worn out + with fatigue and emotion. To present ourselves without him would have + seemed very singular; therefore we decided that it would be wisest and + best to absent ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + The presence of the man whom he had just declared immortal did not deter + Minard, when the occasion was thus made for him, from plunging eagerly + into one of the most precious joys of bourgeois existence, namely, the + retailing of gossip. + </p> + <p> + “Just imagine!” he began; “last night at the Thuilliers’ the most + extraordinary things took place, one after another.” + </p> + <p> + First he related the curious episode of pere Picot. Then he told of the + hearty approbation given to Felix’s conduct by the Abbe Gondrin, and the + desire the young preacher had expressed to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go and see him,” said Felix; “do you know where he lives?” + </p> + <p> + “Rue de la Madeleine, No. 8,” replied Minard. “But the great event of the + evening was the spectacle of that fine company assembled to listen to the + marriage-contract, and waiting in expectation a whole hour for the notary, + who—never came!” + </p> + <p> + “Then the contract is not signed?” said Felix, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Not even read, my friend. Suddenly some one came in and told Brigitte + that the notary had started for Brussels.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! no doubt,” said Phellion, naively; “some very important business.” + </p> + <p> + “Most important,” replied Minard; “a little bankruptcy of five hundred + thousand francs which the gentleman leaves behind him.” + </p> + <p> + “But who is this public officer,” demanded Phellion, “so recreant, in this + scandalous manner, to the sacred duties of his calling?” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! your neighbor in the rue Saint-Jacques, the notary Dupuis.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Madame Phellion, “that pious man? Why, he is churchwarden of + the parish!” + </p> + <p> + “Eh! madame, those are the very ones,” said Minard, “to run off—there + are many precedents for that.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Phellion, “such news cast suddenly among the company must have + fallen like a thunderbolt.” + </p> + <p> + “Especially,” said Minard, “as it was brought in the most unexpected and + singular manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell us all about it,” said Madame Phellion, with animation. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it seems,” continued Minard, “that this canting swindler had charge + of the savings of a number of servants, and that Monsieur de la Peyrade—because, + you see, they are all of a clique, these pious people—was in the + habit of recruiting clients for him in that walk of life—” + </p> + <p> + “I always said so!” interrupted Madame Phellion. “I knew that Provencal + was no good at all.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems,” continued the mayor, “that he had placed in Dupuis’s hands all + the savings of an old housekeeper, pious herself, amounting to a pretty + little sum. Faith! I think myself it was worth some trouble. How much do + you suppose it was? Twenty-five thousand francs, if you please! This + housekeeper, whose name is Madame Lambert—” + </p> + <p> + “Madame Lambert!” cried Felix; “why, that’s Monsieur Picot’s housekeeper; + close cap, pale, thin face, speaks always with her eyes lowered, shows no + hair?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s she,” said Minard,—“a regular hypocrite!” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five thousand francs of savings!” said Felix. “I don’t wonder that + poor pere Picot is always out of money.” + </p> + <p> + “And that someone had to meddle with the sale of his book,” said Minard, + slyly. “However that may be, you can imagine that the woman was in a fine + state of mind on hearing of the flight of the notary. Off she went to la + Peyrade’s lodgings; there she was told he was dining at the Thuilliers’; + to the Thuilliers’ she came, after running about the streets—for + they didn’t give her quite the right address—till ten o’clock; but + she got there while the company were still sitting round waiting for the + notary, and gaping at each other, no one knowing what to say and do, for + neither Brigitte nor Thuillier have faculty enough to get out of such a + scrape with credit; and we all missed the voice of Madame de Godollo and + the talent of Madame Phellion.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you are too polite, Monsieur le maire,” said Madame Phellion, + bridling. + </p> + <p> + “Well, as I said,” continued Minard, “at ten o’clock Madame Lambert + reached the antechamber of Monsieur the general-councillor, and there she + asked, in great excitement, to see la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “That was natural,” said Phellion; “he being the intermediary of the + investment, this woman had a right to question him.” + </p> + <p> + “You should just have seen that Tartuffe!” continued Minard. “He had no + sooner gone out than he returned, bringing the news. As everybody was + longing to get away, there followed a general helter-skelter. And then + what does our man do? He goes back to Madame Lambert, who was crying that + she was ruined! she was lost!—which might very well be true, but it + might also be only a scene arranged between them in presence of the + company, whom the woman’s outcries detained in the antechamber. ‘Don’t be + anxious, my good woman,’ said la Peyrade; ‘the investment was made at your + request, consequently, I owe you nothing; BUT it is enough that the money + passed through my hands to make my conscience tell me I am responsible. If + the notary’s assets are not enough to pay you I will do so.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Phellion, “that was my idea as you told it; the intermediary + is or ought to be responsible. I should not have hesitated to do as + Monsieur de la Peyrade did, and I do not think that after such conduct as + that he ought to be taxed with Jesuitism.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you would have done so,” said Minard, “and so should I, but we + shouldn’t have done it with a brass band; we should have paid our money + quietly, like gentlemen. But this electoral manager, how is he going to + pay it? Out of the ‘dot’?” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the little page entered the room and gave a letter to Felix + Phellion. It came from pere Picot, and was written at his dictation by + Madame Lambert, for which reason we will not reproduce the orthography. + The writing of Madame Lambert was of those that can never be forgotten + when once seen. Recognizing it instantly, Felix hastened to say:— + </p> + <p> + “A letter from the professor”; then, before breaking the seal, he added, + “Will you permit me, Monsieur le maire.” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll rate you finely,” said Minard, laughing. “I never saw anything so + comical as his wrath last night.” + </p> + <p> + Felix, as he read the letter, smiled to himself. When he had finished it, + he passed it to his father, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “Read it aloud if you like.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon, with his solemn voice and manner, Phellion read as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My dear Felix,—I have just received your note; it came in the + nick of time, for I was, as they say, in a fury with you. You tell + me that you were guilty of that abuse of confidence (about which I + intended to write you a piece of my mind) in order to give a + knock-down blow to my relations by proving that a man capable of + making such complicated calculations as your discovery required + was not a man to put in a lunatic asylum or drag before a + judiciary council. That argument pleases me, and it makes such a + good answer to the infamous proceedings of my relations that I + praise you for having had the idea. But you sold it to me, that + argument, pretty dear when you put me in company with a star, for + you know very well <i>that</i> propinquity wouldn’t please me at all. It + is not at my age, and after solving the great problem of perpetual + motion, that a man could take up with such rubbish as that,—good + only for boys and greenhorns like you; and that is what I have + taken the liberty this morning to go and tell the minister of + public instruction, by whom I must say I was received with the + most perfect urbanity. I asked him to see whether, as he had made + a mistake and sent them to the wrong address, he could not take + back his cross and his pension,—though to be sure, as I told him, + I deserved them for other things. + + “The government,” he replied, “is not in the habit of making + mistakes; what it does is always properly done, and it never + annuls an ordinance signed by the hand of his Majesty. Your great + labors have deserved the two favors the King has granted you; it + is a long-standing debt, which I am happy to pay off in his name.” + + “But Felix?” I said; “because after all for a young man it is not + such a bad discovery.” + + “Monsieur Felix Phellion,” replied the minister, “will receive in + the course of the day his appointment to the rank of Chevalier of + the Legion of honor; I will have it signed this morning by the + king. Moreover, there is a vacant place at the Academy of + Sciences, and if you are not a candidate for it—” + + “I, in the Academy!” I interrupted, with the frankness of speech + you know I always use; “I execrate academies; they are stiflers, + extinguishers, assemblages of sloths, idlers, shops with big signs + and nothing to sell inside—” + + “Well, then,” said the minister, smiling, “I think that at the + next election Monsieur Felix Phellion will have every chance, and + among those chances I count the influence of the government which + is secured to him.” + + There, my poor boy, is all that I have been able to do to reward + your good intentions and to prove to you that I am no longer + angry. I think the relations are going to pull a long face. Come + and talk about it to-day at four o’clock,—for I don’t dine after + bedtime, as I saw some people doing last night in a house where I + had occasion to mention your talents in a manner that was very + advantageous to you. Madame Lambert, who does better with a + saucepan than with pen and ink, shall distinguish herself, though + it is Friday, and she never lets me off a fast day. But she has + promised us a fish dinner worthy of an archbishop, with a fine + half-bottle of champagne (doubled if need be) to wash it down. +</pre> + <p> + Your old professor and friend, + </p> + <p> + Picot (Nepomucene), + </p> + <p> + Chevalier of the Legion of honor. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + P.S.—Do you think you could obtain from your respectable mother a + little flask of that old and excellent cognac you once gave me? + Not a drop remains, and yesterday I was forced to drink some stuff + only fit to bathe horses’ feet, as I did not hesitate to say to + the beautiful Hebe who served it to me. +</pre> + <p> + “Of course he shall have some,” said Madame Phellion; “not a flask, but a + gallon.” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said Minard, “who pique myself on mine, which didn’t come from + Brigitte’s grocer either, I’ll send him several bottles; but don’t tell + him who sent them, Monsieur le chevalier, for you never can tell how that + singular being will take things.” + </p> + <p> + “Wife,” said Phellion, suddenly, “get me my black coat and a white + cravat.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” asked Madame Phellion. “To the minister, to thank + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Bring me, I say, those articles of habiliment. I have an important visit + to make; and Monsieur le maire will, I know, excuse me.” + </p> + <p> + “I myself must be off,” said Minard. “I, too, have important business, + though it isn’t about a star.” + </p> + <p> + Questioned in vain by Felix and his wife, Phellion completed his attire + with a pair of white gloves, sent for a carriage, and, at the end of half + an hour, entered the presence of Brigitte, whom he found presiding over + the careful putting away of the china, glass, and silver which had + performed their several functions the night before. Leaving these + housekeeping details, she received her visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, papa Phellion,” she said, when they were both seated in the salon, + “you broke your word yesterday; you were luckier than the rest. Do you + know what a trick that notary played us?” + </p> + <p> + “I know all,” said Phellion; “and it is the check thus unexpectedly given + to the execution of your plans that I shall take for the text of an + important conversation which I desire to have with you. Sometimes + Providence would seem to take pleasure in counteracting our best-laid + schemes; sometimes, also, by means of the obstacles it raises in our path, + it seems to intend to indicate that we are bearing too far to the right or + to the left, and should pause to reflect upon our way.” + </p> + <p> + “Providence!” said Brigitte the strong-minded,—“Providence has + something else to do than to look after us.” + </p> + <p> + “That is one opinion,” said Phellion; “but I myself am accustomed to see + its decrees in the little as well as the great things of life; and + certainly, if it had allowed the fulfilment of your engagements with + Monsieur de la Peyrade to be even partially begun yesterday, you would not + have seen me here to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Brigitte, “do you think that by default of a notary the + marriage will not take place? They do say that for want of a monk the + abbey won’t come to a standstill.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear lady,” said the great citizen, “you will do me the justice to feel + that neither I, nor my wife, have ever attempted to influence your + decision; we have allowed our young people to love each other without much + consideration as to where that attachment would lead—” + </p> + <p> + “It led to upsetting their minds,” said Brigitte; “that’s what love is, + and that’s why I deprived myself of it.” + </p> + <p> + “What you say is, indeed, true of my unfortunate son,” resumed Phellion; + “for, notwithstanding the noble distractions he has endeavored to give to + his sorrow, he is to-day so miserably overcome by it that this morning, in + spite of the glorious success he has just obtained, he was speaking to me + of undertaking a voyage of circumnavigation around the globe,—a rash + enterprise which would detain him from his native land at least three + years, if, indeed, he escaped the dangers of so prolonged a journey.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Brigitte, “it isn’t a bad idea; he’ll return consoled, having + discovered three or four more new stars.” + </p> + <p> + “His present discovery suffices,” said Phellion, with double his ordinary + gravity, “and it is under the auspices of that triumph, which has placed + his name at so great a height in the scientific world, that I have the + assurance to say to you, point-blank: Mademoiselle, I have come to ask + you, on behalf of my son, who loves as he is beloved, for the hand in + marriage of Mademoiselle Celeste Colleville.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear man,” replied Brigitte, “it is too late; remember that we + are <i>diametrically</i> engaged to la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “It is never, they say, too late to do well, and yesterday it would have + been in my judgment too early. My son, having to offer an equivalent for a + fortune, could not say to you until to-day: ‘Though Celeste, by your + generosity has a “dot” which mine is far from equalling, yet I have the + honor to be a member of the Royal order of the Legion of honor, and + shortly, according to appearance, I shall be a member of the Royal Academy + of Sciences, one of the five branches of the Institute.’” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Brigitte; “Felix is getting to be a very pretty match, + but we have passed our word to la Peyrade; the banns are published at the + mayor’s office, and unless something extraordinary happens the contract + will be signed. La Peyrade is very busy about Thuillier’s election, which + he has now got into good shape; we have capital engaged with him in the + affair of this newspaper; and it would be impossible to go back on our + promise, even if we wished to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said Phellion, “in one of the rare occasions of life when reason and + inclination blend together, you think you must be guided solely by the + question of material interests. Celeste, as we know, has no inclination + for Monsieur de la Peyrade. Brought up with Felix—” + </p> + <p> + “Brought up with Felix!” interrupted Brigitte. “She was given a period of + time to choose between Monsieur de la Peyrade and your son,—that’s + how we coerce her, if you please,—and she would not take Monsieur + Felix, whose atheism is too well known.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, mademoiselle, my son is not an atheist; for Voltaire + himself doubted if there could be atheists; and no later than yesterday, + in this house, an ecclesiastic, as admirable for his talents as for his + virtues, after making a magnificent eulogy of my son, expressed the desire + to know him.” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! yes, to convert him,” said Brigitte. “But as for this marriage, + I am sorry to tell you that the mustard is made too late for the dinner; + Thuillier will never renounce his la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle,” said Phellion, rising, “I feel no humiliation for the + useless step I have this day taken; I do not even ask you to keep it + secret, for I shall myself mention it to our friends and acquaintances.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell it to whom you like, my good man,” replied Brigitte, acrimoniously. + “Because your son has discovered a star,—if, indeed, he did discover + it, and not that old fool the government decorated—do you expect him + to marry a daughter of the King of the French?” + </p> + <p> + “Enough,” said Phellion, “we will say no more. I might answer that, + without depreciating the Thuilliers, the Orleans family seems to me more + distinguished; but I do not like to introduce acerbity into the + conversation, and therefore, begging you to receive the assurance of my + humble respects, I retire.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he made his exit majestically, and left Brigitte with the arrow + of his comparison, discharged after the manner of the Parthian “in + extremis,” sticking in her mind, and she herself in a temper all the more + savage because already, the evening before, Madame Thuillier, after the + guests were gone, had the incredible audacity to say something in favor of + Felix. Needless to relate that the poor helot was roughly put down and + told to mind her own business. But this attempt at a will of her own in + her sister-in-law had already put the old maid in a vile humor, and + Phellion, coming to reopen the subject, exasperated her. Josephine, the + cook, and the “male domestic,” received the after-clap of the scene which + had just taken place. Brigitte found that in her absence everything had + been done wrong, and putting her own hand to the work, she hoisted herself + on a chair, at the risk of her neck, to reach the upper shelves of the + closet, where her choicest china, for gala days, was carefully kept under + lock and key. + </p> + <p> + This day, which for Brigitte began so ill, was, beyond all gainsaying, one + of the stormiest and most portentous of this narrative. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. A STORMY DAY + </h2> + <p> + As an exact historian, we must go back and begin the day at six in the + morning, when we can see Madame Thuillier going to the Madeleine to hear + the mass that the Abbe Gondrin was in the habit of saying at that hour, + and afterwards approaching the holy table,—a viaticum which pious + souls never fail to give themselves when it is in their minds to + accomplish some great resolution. + </p> + <p> + About mid-day the abbe received a visit in his own home from Madame + Thuillier and Celeste. The poor child wanted a little development of the + words by which the priest had given security, the evening before, in + Brigitte’s salon, for the eternal welfare of Felix Phellion. It seemed + strange to the mind of this girl-theologian that, without practising + religion, a soul could be received into grace by the divine justice; for + surely the anathema is clear: Out of the Church there is no salvation. + </p> + <p> + “My dear child,” said the Abbe Gondrin, “learn to understand that saying + which seems to you so inexplicable. It is more a saying of thanksgiving + for those who have the happiness to live within the pale of our holy + mother the Church than a malediction upon those who have the misfortune to + live apart from her. God sees to the depths of all hearts; He knows His + elect; and so great is the treasure of His goodness that to none is it + given to limit its riches and its munificence. Who shall dare to say to + God: Thou wilt be generous and munificent so far and no farther. Jesus + Christ forgave the woman in adultery, and on the cross He promised heaven + to a thief, in order to prove to us that He deals with men, not according + to human sentiments, but according to <i>his</i> wisdom and <i>his</i> + mercy. He who thinks himself a Christian may be in the eyes of God an + idolator; and another who is thought a pagan may, by his feelings and his + actions be, without his own knowledge, a Christian. Our holy religion has + this that is divine about it; all grandeur, all heroism are but the + practice of its precepts. I was saying yesterday to Monsieur de la Peyrade + that pure souls must be, in course of time, its inevitable conquest. It is + all-important to give them their just credit; that is a confidence which + returns great dividends; and, besides, charity commands it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my God!” cried Celeste, “to learn that too late! I, who could have + chosen between Felix and Monsieur de la Peyrade, and did not dare to + follow the ideas of my heart! Oh! Monsieur l’abbe, couldn’t you speak to + my mother? Your advice is always listened to.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, my dear child,” replied the vicar. “If I had the direction of + Madame Colleville’s conscience I might perhaps say a word, but we are so + often accused of meddling imprudently in family matters! Be sure that my + intervention here, without authority or right, would do you more harm than + good. It is for you and for those who love you,” he added, giving a look + to Madame Thuillier, “to see if these arrangements, already so far + advanced, could be changed in the direction of your wishes.” + </p> + <p> + It was written that the poor child was to drink to the dregs the cup she + had herself prepared by her intolerance. As the abbe finished speaking, + his housekeeper came in to ask if he would receive Monsieur Felix + Phellion. Thus, like the Charter of 1830, Madame de Godollo’s officious + falsehood was turned into truth. + </p> + <p> + “Go this way,” he said hastily, showing his two penitents out by a private + corridor. + </p> + <p> + Life has such strange encounters that it does sometimes happen that the + same form of proceeding must be used by courtesans and by the men of God. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur l’abbe,” said Felix to the young vicar as soon as they met, “I + have heard of the kind manner in which you were so very good as to speak + of me in Monsieur Thuillier’s salon last night, and I should have hastened + to express my gratitude if another interest had not drawn me to you.” + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Gondrin passed hastily over the compliments, eager to know in + what way he could be useful to his fellow-man. + </p> + <p> + “With an intention that I wish to think kindly,” replied Felix, “you were + spoken to yesterday about the state of my soul. Those who read it so + fluently know more than I do about my inner being, for, during the last + few days I have felt strange, inexplicable feelings within me. Never have + I doubted God, but, in contact with that infinitude where he has permitted + my thought to follow the traces of his work I seem to have gathered a + sense of him less vague, more immediate; and this has led me to ask myself + whether an honest and upright life is the only homage which his + omnipotence expects of me. Nevertheless, there are numberless objections + rising in my mind against the worship of which you are the minister; while + sensible of the beauty of its external form in many of its precepts and + practices, I find myself deterred by my reason. I shall have paid dearly, + perhaps by the happiness of my whole life, for the slowness and want of + vigor which I have shown in seeking the solution of my doubts. I have now + decided to search to the bottom of them. No one so well as you, Monsieur + l’abbe, can help me to solve them. I have come with confidence to lay them + before you, to ask you to listen to me, to answer me, and to tell me by + what studies I can pursue the search for light. It is a cruelly afflicted + soul that appeals to you. Is not that a good ground for the seed of your + word?” + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Gondrin eagerly protested the joy with which, notwithstanding his + own insufficiency, he would undertake to reply to the scruples of + conscience in the young savant. After asking him for a place in his + friendship, and telling him to come at certain hours for conversation, he + asked him to read, as a first step, the “Thoughts” of Pascal. A natural + affinity, on the side of science, would, he believed, be established + between the spirit of Pascal and that of the young mathematician. + </p> + <p> + While this scene was passing, a scene to which the greatness of the + interests in question and the moral and intellectual elevation of the + personages concerned in it gave a character of grandeur which, like all + reposeful, tranquil aspects, is easier far to comprehend than to + reproduce, another scene, of sharp and bitter discord, that chronic malady + of bourgeois households, where the pettiness of minds and passions gives + open way to it, was taking place in the Thuillier home. + </p> + <p> + Mounted upon her chair, her hair in disorder and her face and fingers + dirty, Brigitte, duster in hand, was cleaning the shelves of the closet, + where she was replacing her library of plates, dishes, and sauce-boats, + when Flavie came in and accosted her. + </p> + <p> + “Brigitte,” she said, “when you have finished what you are about you had + better come down to our apartment, or else I’ll send Celeste to you; she + seems to me to be inclined to make trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “In what way?” asked Brigitte, continuing to dust. + </p> + <p> + “I think she and Madame Thuillier went to see the Abbe Gondrin this + morning, and she has been attacking me about Felix Phellion, and talks of + him as if he were a god; from that to refusing to marry la Peyrade is but + a step.” + </p> + <p> + “Those cursed skull-caps!” said Brigitte; “they meddle in everything! I + didn’t want to invite him, but you would insist.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Flavie, “it was proper.” + </p> + <p> + “Proper! I despise proprieties!” cried the old maid. “He’s a maker of + speeches; he said nothing last night that wasn’t objectionable. Send + Celeste to me; I’ll settle her.” + </p> + <p> + At this instant a servant announced to Brigitte the arrival of a clerk + from the office of the new notary chosen, in default of Dupuis, to draw up + the contract. Without considering her disorderly appearance, Brigitte + ordered him to be shown in, but she made him the condescension of + descending from her perch instead of talking from the height of it. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Thuillier,” said the clerk, “came to our office this morning to + explain to the master the clauses of the contract he has been so good as + to entrust to us. But before writing down the stipulations, we are in the + habit of obtaining from the lips of each donor a direct expression of his + or her intentions. In accordance with this rule, Monsieur Thuillier told + us that he gives to the bride the reversion, at his death, of the house he + inhabits, which I presume to be this one?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Brigitte, “that is the understanding. As for me, I give three + hundred thousand francs a year in the Three-per-cents, capital and + interest; but the bride is married under the dotal system.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so,” said the clerk, consulting his notes. “Mademoiselle + Brigitte, three thousand francs a year. Now, there is Madame Celeste + Thuillier, wife of Louis-Jerome Thuillier, who gives six thousand in the + Three-per-cents, capital and interest, and six thousand more at her + death.” + </p> + <p> + “All that is just as if the notary had written it down,” said Brigitte; + “but if it is your custom you can see my sister-in-law; they will show you + the way.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the old maid ordered the “male domestic” to take the clerk to + Madame Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the clerk returned, saying there was certainly some + misunderstanding, and that Madame Thuillier declared she had no intention + of making any agreement in favor of the marriage. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a pretty thing!” cried Brigitte. “Come with me, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + Then, like a hurricane, she rushed into Madame Thuillier’s chamber; the + latter was pale and trembling. + </p> + <p> + “What’s this you have told monsieur?—that you give nothing to + Celeste’s ‘dot’?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the slave, declaring insurrection, although in a shaking + voice; “my intention is to do nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Your intention,” said Brigitte, scarlet with anger, “is something new.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my intention,” was all the rebel replied. + </p> + <p> + “At least you will give your reasons?” + </p> + <p> + “The marriage does not please me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! and since when?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary that monsieur should listen to our discussion,” said + Madame Thuillier; “it will not appear in the contract.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder you are ashamed of it,” said Brigitte; “the appearance you are + making is not very flattering to you—Monsieur,” she continued, + addressing the clerk, “it is easier, is it not, to mark out passages in a + contract than to add them?” + </p> + <p> + The clerk made an affirmative sign. + </p> + <p> + “Then put in what you were told to write; later, if madame persists, the + clause can be stricken out.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk bowed and left the room. + </p> + <p> + When the two sisters-in-law were alone together, Brigitte began. + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” she cried, “have you lost your head? What is this crotchet you’ve + taken into it?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not a crotchet; it is a fixed idea.” + </p> + <p> + “Which you got from the Abbe Gondrin; you dare not deny that you went to + see him with Celeste.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true that Celeste and I saw our director this morning, but I did + not open my lips to him about what I intended to do.” + </p> + <p> + “So, then, it is in your own empty head that this notion sprouted?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. As I told you yesterday, I think Celeste can be more suitably + married, and my intention is not to rob myself for a marriage of which I + disapprove.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> disapprove! Upon my word! are we all to take madame’s advice?” + </p> + <p> + “I know well,” replied Madame Thuillier, “that I count for nothing in this + house. So far as I am concerned, I have long accepted my position; but, + when the matter concerns the happiness of a child I regard as my own—” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” cried Brigitte, “you never knew how to have one; for, + certainly, Thuillier—” + </p> + <p> + “Sister,” said Madame Thuillier, with dignity, “I took the sacrament this + morning, and there are some things I cannot listen to.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a canting hypocrite for you!” cried Brigitte; “playing the saint, + and bringing trouble into families! And you think to succeed, do you? Wait + till Thuillier comes home, and he’ll shake this out of you.” + </p> + <p> + By calling in the marital authority in support of her own, Brigitte showed + weakness before the unexpected resistance thus made to her inveterate + tyranny. Madame Thuillier’s calm words, which became every moment more + resolute, baffled her completely, and she found no resource but insolence. + </p> + <p> + “A drone!” she cried; “a helpless good-for-nothing! who can’t even pick up + her own handkerchief! that thing wants to be mistress of this house!” + </p> + <p> + “I wish so little to be its mistress,” said Madame Thuillier, “that last + night I allowed you to silence me after the first words I said in behalf + of Celeste. But I am mistress of my own property, and as I believe that + Celeste will be wretched in this marriage, I keep it to use as may seem + best to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Your property, indeed!” said Brigitte, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that which I received from my father and my mother, and which I + brought as my ‘dot’ to Monsieur Thuillier.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray who invested it, this property, and made it give you twelve + thousand francs a year?” + </p> + <p> + “I have never asked you for any account of it,” said Madame Thuillier, + gently. “If it had been lost in the uses you made of it, you would never + have heard a single word from me; but it has prospered, and it is just + that I should have the benefit. It is not for myself that I reserve it.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not; if this is the course you take, it is not at all sure that + you and I will go out of the same door long.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that Monsieur Thuillier will send me away? He must have + reasons for doing that, and, thank God! I have been a wife above + reproach.” + </p> + <p> + “Viper! hypocrite! heartless creature!” cried Brigitte, coming to an end + of her arguments. + </p> + <p> + “Sister,” said Madame Thuillier, “you are in my apartment—” + </p> + <p> + “Am I, you imbecile?” cried the old maid, in a paroxysm of anger. “If I + didn’t restrain myself—” + </p> + <p> + And she made a gesture both insulting and threatening. + </p> + <p> + Madame Thuillier rose to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + “No! you shall not go out,” cried Brigitte, pushing her down into her + chair; “and till Thuillier comes home and decides what he will do with you + you’ll stay locked up here.” + </p> + <p> + Just as Brigitte, her face on fire, returned to the room where she had + left Madame Colleville, her brother came in. He was radiant. + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” he said to the Megaera, not observing her fury, “everything is + going on finely; the conspiracy of silence is broken; two papers, the + ‘National’ and a Carlist journal, have copied articles from us, and + there’s a little attack in a ministerial paper.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, all is not going on finely here,” said Brigitte, “and if it + continues, I shall leave the barrack.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom are you angry with now?” asked Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “With your insolent wife, who has made me a scene; I am trembling all + over.” + </p> + <p> + “Celeste make you a scene!” said Thuillier; “then it is the very first + time in her life.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s a beginning to everything, and if you don’t bring her to order—” + </p> + <p> + “But what was it about—this scene?” + </p> + <p> + “About madame’s not choosing that la Peyrade should marry her goddaughter; + and out of spite, to prevent the marriage, she refused to give anything in + the contract.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, be calm,” said Thuillier, not disturbed himself, the admission of + the “Echo” into the polemic making another Pangloss of him. “I’ll settle + all that.” + </p> + <p> + “You, Flavie,” said Brigitte, when Thuillier had departed to his wife, + “you will do me the pleasure to go down to your own apartment, and tell + Mademoiselle Celeste that I don’t choose to see her now, because if she + made me any irritating answer I might box her ears. You’ll tell her that I + don’t like conspiracies; that she was left at liberty to choose Monsieur + Phellion junior if she wanted him, and she did not want him; that the + matter is now all arranged, and that if she does not wish to see her ‘dot’ + reduced to what you are able to give her, which isn’t as much as a + bank-messenger could carry in his waistcoat pocket—” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear Brigitte,” interrupted Flavie, turning upon her at this + impertinence, “you may dispense with reminding us in this harsh way of our + poverty; for, after all, we have never asked you for anything, and we pay + our rent punctually; and as for the ‘dot,’ Monsieur Felix Phellion is + quite ready to take Celeste with no more than a bank-messenger could carry + in his <i>bag</i>.” + </p> + <p> + And she emphasized the last word by her way of pronouncing it. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! so you too are going to meddle in this, are you?” cried Brigitte. + “Very good; go and fetch him, your Felix. I know, my little woman, that + this marriage has never suited you; it IS disagreeable to be nothing more + than a mother to your son-in-law.” + </p> + <p> + Flavie had recovered the coolness she had lost for an instant, and without + replying to this speech she merely shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Thuillier returned; his air of beatitude had deserted him. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Brigitte,” he said to his sister, “you have a most excellent + heart, but at times you are so violent—” + </p> + <p> + “Ho!” said the old maid, “am I to be arraigned on this side too?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly do not blame you for the cause of the trouble, and I have + just rebuked Celeste for her assumption; but there are proper forms that + must be kept.” + </p> + <p> + “Forms! what are you talking about? What forms have I neglected?” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear friend, to raise your hand against your sister!” + </p> + <p> + “I, raise my hand against that imbecile? What nonsense you talk!” + </p> + <p> + “And besides,” continued Thuillier, “a woman of Celeste’s age can’t be + kept in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Your wife!—have I put her in prison?” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t deny it, for I found the door of her room double-locked.” + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu! all this because in my anger at the infamous things she was + spitting at me I may have turned the key of the door without intending + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said Thuillier, “these are not proper actions for people of + our class.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! so it is I who am to blame, is it? Well, my lad, some day you’ll + remember this, and we shall see how your household will get along when I + have stopped taking care of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll always take care of it,” said Thuillier. “Housekeeping is your + very life; you will be the first to get over this affair.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll see about that,” said Brigitte; “after twenty years of devotion, to + be treated like the lowest of the low!” + </p> + <p> + And rushing to the door, which she slammed after her with violence, she + went away. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier was not disturbed by this exit. + </p> + <p> + “Were you there, Flavie,” he asked, “when the scene took place?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it happened in Celeste’s room. What did she do to her?” + </p> + <p> + “What I said,—raised her hand to her and locked her in like a child. + Celeste may certainly be rather dull-minded, but there are limits that + must not be passed.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not always pleasant, that good Brigitte,” said Flavie; “she and I + have just had a little set-to.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well,” said Thuillier, “it will all pass off. I want to tell you, my + dear Flavie, what fine success we have had this morning. The ‘National’ + quotes two whole paragraphs of an article in which there were several + sentences of mine.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier was again interrupted in the tale of his great political and + literary success,—this time by the entrance of Josephine the cook. + </p> + <p> + “Can monsieur tell me where to find the key of the great trunk?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with it?” asked Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle told me to take it to her room.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle must be going to make a journey. She is getting her linen + out of the drawers, and her gowns are on the bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Another piece of nonsense!” said Thuillier. “Flavie, go and see what she + has in her head.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” said Madame Colleville; “go yourself. In her present state of + exasperation she might beat me.” + </p> + <p> + “And my stupid wife, who must needs raise a fuss about the contract!” + cried Thuillier. “She really must have said something pretty sharp to turn + Brigitte off her hinges like this.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur has not told me where to find the key,” persisted Josephine. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know anything about it,” said Thuillier, crossly; “go and look + for it, or else tell her it is lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” said Josephine, “it is likely I’d dare to go and tell her + that.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the outer door-bell rang. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt that’s la Peyrade,” said Thuillier, in a tone of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + The Provencal appeared a moment later. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, my dear friend,” cried Thuillier, “it is high time you came; the + house is in revolution, all about you, and it needs your silvery tongue to + bring it back to peace and quietness.” + </p> + <p> + Then he related to his assistant editor the circumstances of the civil war + which had broken out. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade turned to Madame Colleville. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” he said, “that under the circumstances in which we now stand + there is no impropriety in my asking for an interview of a few moments + with Mademoiselle Colleville.” + </p> + <p> + In this the Provencal showed his usual shrewd ability; he saw that in the + mission of pacification thus given to him Celeste Colleville was the key + of the situation. + </p> + <p> + “I will send for her, and we will leave you alone together,” said Flavie. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Thuillier,” said la Peyrade, “you must, without any violence, let + Mademoiselle Celeste know that her consent must be given without further + delay; make her think that this was the purpose for which you have sent + for her; then leave us; I will do the rest.” + </p> + <p> + The man-servant was sent down to the entresol with orders to tell Celeste + that her godfather wished to speak to her. As soon as she appeared, + Thuillier said, to carry out the programme which had been dictated to him:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear, your mother has told us things that astonish us. Can it be true + that with your contract almost signed, you have not yet decided to accept + the marriage we have arranged for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Godfather,” said Celeste, rather surprised at this abrupt summons, “I + think I did not say that to mamma.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you not just now,” said Flavie, “praise Monsieur Felix Phellion to me + in the most extravagant manner?” + </p> + <p> + “I spoke of Monsieur Phellion as all the world is speaking of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come,” said Thuillier, with authority, “let us have no + equivocation; do you refuse, yes or no, to marry Monsieur de la Peyrade?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, good friend,” said la Peyrade, intervening, “your way of putting + the question is rather too abrupt, and, in my presence, especially, it + seems to me out of place. In my position as the most interested person, + will you allow me to have an interview with mademoiselle, which, indeed, + has now become necessary? This favor I am sure will not be refused by + Madame Colleville. Under present circumstances, there can surely be + nothing in my request to alarm her maternal prudence.” + </p> + <p> + “I would certainly yield to it,” said Flavie, “if I did not fear that + these discussions might seem to open a question which is irrevocably + decided.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear madame, I have the strongest desire that Mademoiselle + Celeste shall remain, until the very last moment, the mistress of her own + choice. I beg you, therefore, to grant my request.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it!” said Madame Colleville; “you think yourself very clever, but + if you let that girl twist you round her finger, so much the worse for + you. Come, Thuillier, since we are ‘de trop’ here.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the pair were alone together, la Peyrade drew up a chair for + Celeste, and took one himself, saying:— + </p> + <p> + “You will, I venture to believe, do me the justice to say that until + to-day I have never annoyed you with the expression of my sentiments. I + was aware of the inclinations of your heart, and also of the warnings of + your conscience. I hoped, after a time, to make myself acceptable as a + refuge from those two currents of feeling; but, at the point which we have + now reached, I think it is not either indiscreet or impatient to ask you + to let me know plainly what course you have decided upon.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” replied Celeste, “as you speak to me so kindly and frankly, I + will tell you, what indeed you know already, that, brought up as I was + with Monsieur Felix Phellion, knowing him far longer than I have known + you, the idea of marrying alarmed me less in regard to him than it would + in regard to others.” + </p> + <p> + “At one time, I believe,” remarked la Peyrade, “you were permitted to + choose him if you wished.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but at that time difficulties grew up between us on religious + ideas.” + </p> + <p> + “And to-day those difficulties have disappeared?” + </p> + <p> + “Nearly,” replied Celeste. “I am accustomed to submit to the judgment of + those who are wiser than myself, monsieur, and you heard yesterday the + manner in which the Abbe Gondrin spoke of Monsieur Phellion.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid,” said la Peyrade, “that I should seek to invalidate the + judgment of so excellent a man; but I venture to say to you, mademoiselle, + that there are great differences among the clergy; some are thought too + stern, some far too indulgent; moreover, the Abbe Gondrin is more of a + preacher than a casuist.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Monsieur Felix,” said Celeste, eagerly, “seems to wish to fulfil + Monsieur l’abbe’s hopes of him, for I know that he went to see him this + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said la Peyrade, with a touch of irony, “so he really decided to go + to Pere Anselme! But, admitting that on the religious side Monsieur + Phellion may now become all that you expect of him, have you reflected, + mademoiselle, on the great event which has just taken place in his life?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly; and that is not a reason to think less of him.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but it is a reason why he should think more of himself. For the + modesty which was once the chief charm of his nature, he is likely to + substitute great assumption, and you must remember, mademoiselle, that he + who has discovered one world will want to discover two; you will have the + whole firmament for rival; in short, could you ever be happy with a man so + entirely devoted to science?” + </p> + <p> + “You plead your cause with such adroitness,” said Celeste, smiling, “that + I think you might be as a lawyer more disquieting than an astronomer.” + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle,” said la Peyrade, “let us speak seriously; there is another + and far more serious aspect to the situation. Do you know that, at this + moment, in this house, and without, I am sure, desiring it, you are the + cause of most distressing and regrettable scenes?” + </p> + <p> + “I, monsieur!” said Celeste, in a tone of surprise that was mingled with + fear. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, concerning your godmother. Through the extreme affection that she + has for you she seems to have become another woman; for the first time in + her life she has shown a mind of her own. With an energy of will which + comes at times to those who have never expended any, she declares that she + will not make her proposed liberal gift to you in the contract; and I need + not tell you who is the person aimed at in this unexpected refusal.” + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur, I entreat you to believe that I knew nothing of this idea + of my godmother.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that,” said la Peyrade, “and the matter itself would be of small + importance if Mademoiselle Brigitte had not taken this attitude of your + godmother, whom she has always found supple to her will, as a personal + insult to herself. Very painful explanations, approaching at last to + violence, have taken place. Thuillier, placed between the hammer and the + anvil, has been unable to stop the affair; on the contrary, he has, + without intending it, made matters worse, till they have now arrived at + such a point that Mademoiselle Brigitte is packing her trunks to leave the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur! what are you telling me?” cried Celeste, horrified. + </p> + <p> + “The truth; and the servants will confirm it to you—for I feel that + my revelations are scarcely believable.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is impossible! impossible!” said the poor child, whose agitation + increased with every word of the adroit Provencal. “I cannot be the cause + of such dreadful harm.” + </p> + <p> + “That is, you did not intend to be, for the harm is done; and I pray + Heaven it may not be irremediable.” + </p> + <p> + “But what am I to do, good God!” cried Celeste, wringing her hands. + </p> + <p> + “I should answer, without hesitation, sacrifice yourself, mademoiselle, if + it were not that I should then be forced to play the painful part of + victimizer.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said Celeste, “you interpret ill the resistance that I have + made, though, in fact, I have scarcely expressed it. I have certainly had + a preference, but I have never considered myself in the light of a victim; + and whatever it is necessary to do to restore peace in this house to which + I have brought trouble, I shall do it without repugnance, and even + willingly.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be for me,” said la Peyrade, humbly, “more than I could dare + ask for myself; but, for the result which we both seek, I must tell you + frankly that something more is needed. Madame Thuillier has not changed + her nature to instantly change back again on the mere assurance by others + of your compliance. It is necessary that she should hear from your own + lips that you accede to my suit, and that you do so with eagerness,—assumed, + indeed, but sufficiently well assumed to induce her to believe in it.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said Celeste. “I shall know how to seem smiling and happy. My + godmother, monsieur, has been a mother to me; and for such a mother, what + is there that I would not endure?” + </p> + <p> + The position was such, and Celeste betrayed so artlessly the depth and, at + the same time, the absolute determination of her sacrifice, that with any + heart at all la Peyrade would have loathed the part he was playing; but + Celeste, to him, was a means of ascent, and provided the ladder can hold + you and hoist you, who would ever ask if it cared to or not? It was + therefore decided that Celeste should go to her godmother and convince her + of the mistake she had made in supposing an objection to la Peyrade which + Celeste had never intended to make. Madame Thuillier’s opposition + overcome, all was once more easy. La Peyrade took upon himself the duty of + making peace between the two sisters-in-law, and we can well imagine that + he was not at a loss for fine phrases with which to assure the artless + girl of the devotion and love which would take from her all regret for the + moral compulsion she had now undergone. + </p> + <p> + When Celeste went to her godmother she found her by no means as difficult + to convince as she had expected. To go to the point of rebellion which + Madame Thuillier had actually reached, the poor woman, who was acting + against her instincts and against her nature, had needed a tension of will + that, in her, was almost superhuman. No sooner had she received the false + confidences of her goddaughter than the reaction set in; the strength + failed her to continue in the path she had taken. She was therefore easily + the dupe of the comedy which Celeste’s tender heart was made to play for + la Peyrade’s benefit. + </p> + <p> + The tempest calmed on this side, the barrister found no difficulty in + making Brigitte understand that in quelling the rebellion against her + authority she had gone a little farther than was proper. This authority + being no longer in danger, Brigitte ceased to be incensed with the + sister-in-law she had been on the point of beating, and the quarrel was + settled with a few kind words and a kiss, poor Celeste paying the costs of + war. + </p> + <p> + After dinner, which was only a family meal, the notary, to whose office + they were to go on the following day to sign the contract (it being + impossible to give a second edition of the abortive party), made his + appearance. He came, he said, to submit the contract to the parties + interested before engrossing it. This attention was not surprising in a + man who was just entering into business relations with so important a + person as the municipal councillor, whom it was his interest to firmly + secure for a client. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was far too shrewd to make any objections to the terms of the + contract, which was now read. A few changes requested by Brigitte, which + gave the new notary a high idea of the old maid’s business capacity, + showed la Peyrade plainly that more precautions were being taken against + him than were altogether becoming; but he was anxious not to raise + difficulties, and he knew that the meshes of a contract are never so close + that a determined and clever man cannot get through them. The appointment + was then made for the signing of the contract the next day, at two + o’clock, in the notary’s office, the family only being present. + </p> + <p> + During the rest of the evening, taking advantage of Celeste’s pledge to + seem smiling and happy, la Peyrade played, as it were, upon the poor + child, forced her, by a specious exhibition of gratitude and love, to + respond to him on a key that was far, indeed, from the true state of a + heart now wholly filled by Felix. Flavie, seeing the manner in which la + Peyrade put forth his seductions, was reminded of the pains he had + formerly taken to fascinate herself. “The monster!” she said, beneath her + breath. But she was forced to bear the torture with a good grace; la + Peyrade was evidently approved by all, and in the course of the evening a + circumstance came to light, showing a past service done by him to the + house of Thuillier, which brought his influence and his credit to the + highest point. + </p> + <p> + Minard was announced. + </p> + <p> + “My dear friends,” he said, “I have come to make a little revelation which + will greatly surprise you, and will, I think, prove a lesson to all of us + when a question arises as to receiving foreigners in our homes.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” cried Brigitte, with curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “That Hungarian woman you were so delighted with, that Madame Torna, + Comtesse de Godollo—” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” exclaimed the old maid. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued Minard, “she was no better than she should be; you were + petting in your house for two months the most impudent of kept women.” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you that tale?” asked Brigitte, not willing to admit that she + had fallen into such a snare. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it isn’t a tale,” said the mayor, eagerly. “I know the thing myself, + ‘de visu.’” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me! do you frequent such women?” said Brigitte, resuming the + offensive. “That’s a pretty thing! what would Zelie say if she knew it?” + </p> + <p> + “In the discharge of my duties,” said Minard, stiffly, provoked at this + reception of his news, “I have seen <i>your friend</i>, Madame de Godollo, + in company with others of her class.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know it was she if you only saw her?” demanded Brigitte. + </p> + <p> + The wily Provencal was not the man to lose an occasion that fell to him + ready-made. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur le maire is not mistaken,” he said, with decision. + </p> + <p> + “Tiens! so you know her, too,” said Brigitte; “and you let us consort with + such vermin?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said la Peyrade, “on the contrary. Without scandal, without saying a + word to any one, I removed her from your house. You remember how suddenly + the woman left it? It was I who compelled her to do so; having discovered + what she was, I gave her two days to leave the premises; threatening her, + in case she hesitated, to tell you all.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear Theodose,” said Thuillier, pressing his hand, “you acted with as + much prudence as decision. This is one more obligation that we owe to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, mademoiselle,” said la Peyrade, addressing Celeste, “the strange + protectress whom a friend of yours selected.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God,” said Madame Thuillier. “Felix Phellion is above such vile + things.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca! papa Minard, we’ll keep quiet about all this; silence is the word. + Will you take a cup of tea?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly,” replied Minard. + </p> + <p> + “Celeste,” said the old maid, “ring for Henri, and tell him to put the + large kettle on the fire.” + </p> + <p> + Though the visit to the notary was not to be made till two in the + afternoon, Brigitte began early in the morning of the next day what + Thuillier called her <i>rampage</i>, a popular term which expresses that + turbulent, nagging, irritating activity which La Fontaine has described so + well in his fable of “The Old Woman and her Servants.” Brigitte declared + that if you didn’t take time by the forelock no one would be ready. She + prevented Thuillier from going to his office, insisting that if he once + got off she never should see him again; she plagued Josephine, the cook, + about hurrying the breakfast, and in spite of what had happened the day + before she scarcely restrained herself from nagging at Madame Thuillier, + who did not enter, as she thought she should have done, into her favorite + maxim, “Better be early than late.” + </p> + <p> + Presently down she went to the Collevilles’ to make the same disturbance; + and there she put her veto on the costume, far too elegant, which Flavie + meditated wearing, and told Celeste the hat and gown she wished her to + appear in. As for Colleville, who could not, he declared, stay away all + the morning from his official duties, she compelled him to put on his + dress-suit before he went out, made him set his watch by hers, and warned + him that if he was late no one would wait for him. + </p> + <p> + The amusing part of it was that Brigitte herself, after driving every one + at the point of the bayonet, came very near being late herself. Under + pretext of aiding others, independently of minding her own business, + which, for worlds, she would never have spared herself, she had put her + fingers and eyes into so many things that they ended by overwhelming her. + However, she ascribed the delay in which she was almost caught to the + hairdresser, whom she had sent for to make, on this extraordinary + occasion, what she called her “part.” That artist having, unadvisedly, + dressed her hair in the fashion, he was compelled, after she had looked at + herself in the glass, to do his work over again, and conform to the usual + style of his client, which consisted chiefly in never being “done” at all, + a method that gave her head a general air of what is vulgarly called “a + cross cat.” + </p> + <p> + About half-past one o’clock la Peyrade, Thuillier, Colleville, Madame + Thuillier, and Celeste were assembled in the salon. Flavie joined them + soon after, fastening her bracelets as she came along to avoid a rebuff, + and having the satisfaction of knowing that she was ready before Brigitte. + As for the latter, already furious at finding herself late, she had + another cause for exasperation. The event of the day seemed to require a + corset, a refinement which she usually discarded. The unfortunate maid, + whose duty it was to lace her and to discover the exact point to which she + was willing to be drawn in, alone knew the terrors and storms of a corset + day. + </p> + <p> + “I’d rather,” said the girl, “lace the obelisk; I know it would lend + itself to being laced better than she does; and, anyhow, it couldn’t be + bad-tongued.” + </p> + <p> + While the party in the salon were amusing themselves, under their breaths, + at the “flagrante delicto” of unpunctuality in which Queen Elizabeth was + caught, the porter entered, and gave to Thuillier a sealed package, + addressed to “Monsieur Thuillier, director of the ‘Echo de la Bievre.’ <i>In + haste</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier opened the envelope, and found within a copy of a ministerial + journal which had hitherto shown itself discourteous to the new paper by + refusing the <i>exchange</i> which all periodicals usually make very + willingly with one another. + </p> + <p> + Puzzled by the fact of this missive being sent to his own house and not to + the office of the “Echo,” Thuillier hastily opened the sheet, and read, + with what emotion the reader may conceive, the following article, + commended to his notice by a circle in red ink:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + An obscure organ was about to expire in its native shade when an + ambitious person of recent date bethought himself of galvanizing + it. His object was to make it a foothold by which to climb from + municipal functions to the coveted position of deputy. Happily + this object, having come to the surface, will end in failure. + Electors will certainly not be inveigled by so wily a manner of + advancing self-interests; and when the proper time arrives, if + ridicule has not already done justice on this absurd candidacy, we + shall ourselves prove to the pretender that to aspire to the + distinguished honor of representing the nation something more is + required than the money to buy a paper and pay an underling to put + into good French the horrible diction of his articles and + pamphlets. We confine ourselves to-day to this limited notice, but + our readers may be sure that we shall keep them informed about + this electoral comedy, if indeed the parties concerned have the + melancholy courage to go on with it. +</pre> + <p> + Thuillier read twice over this sudden declaration of war, which was far + from leaving him calm and impassible; then, taking la Peyrade aside, he + said to him:— + </p> + <p> + “Read that; it is serious.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said la Peyrade, after reading the article. + </p> + <p> + “Well? how well?” exclaimed Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “I mean, what do you find so serious in that?” + </p> + <p> + “What do I find so serious?” repeated Thuillier. “I don’t think anything + could be more insulting to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t doubt,” said la Peyrade, “that the virtuous Cerizet is at the + bottom of it; he has thrown this firecracker between your legs by way of + revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “Cerizet, or anybody else who wrote that diatribe is an insolent fellow,” + cried Thuillier, getting angry, “and the matter shall not rest there.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said la Peyrade, “I advise you to make no reply. You are + not named; though, of course, the attack is aimed at you. But you ought to + let our adversary commit himself farther; when the right moment comes, + we’ll rap him over the knuckles.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said Thuillier, “I won’t stay quiet one minute under such an + insult.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” said the barrister; “what a sensitive epidermis! Do reflect, + my dear fellow, that you have made yourself a candidate and a journalist, + and therefore you really must harden yourself better than that.” + </p> + <p> + “My good friend, it is a principle of mine not to let anybody step on my + toes. Besides, they say themselves they are going on with this thing. + Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to cut short such impertinence.” + </p> + <p> + “But do consider,” said la Peyrade. “Certainly in journalism, as in + candidacy, a hot temper has its uses; a man makes himself respected, and + stops attacks—” + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” said Thuillier, “‘principiis obsta.’ Not to-day, because we + haven’t the time, but to-morrow I shall carry that paper into court.” + </p> + <p> + “Into court!” echoed la Peyrade; “you surely wouldn’t go to law in such a + matter as this? In the first place, there is nothing to proceed upon; you + are not named nor the paper either, and, besides, it is a pitiable + business, going to law; you’ll look like a boy who has been fighting, and + got the worst of it, and runs to complain to his mamma. Now if you had + said that you meant to make Fleury intervene in the matter, I could + understand that—though the affair is rather personal to you, and it + might be difficult to make it seem—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” said Thuillier, “do you suppose I am going to commit myself with + a Cerizet or any other newspaper bully? I pique myself, my dear fellow, on + possessing civic courage, which does not give in to prejudices, and which, + instead of taking justice into its own hands, has recourse to the means of + defence that are provided by law. Besides, with the legal authority the + Court of Cassation now has over duelling, I have no desire to put myself + in the way of being expatriated, or spending two or three years in + prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said la Peyrade, “we’ll talk it over later; here’s your sister, + and she would think everything lost if this little matter reached her + ears.” + </p> + <p> + When Brigitte appeared Colleville shouted “Full!” and proceeded to sing + the chorus of “La Parisienne.” + </p> + <p> + “Heavens! Colleville, how vulgar you are!” cried the tardy one, hastening + to cast a stone in the other’s garden to avoid the throwing of one into + hers. “Well, are you all ready?” she added, arranging her mantle before a + mirror. “What o’clock is it? it won’t do to get there before the time, + like provincials.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten minutes to two,” said Colleville; “I go by the Tuileries.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then we are just right,” said Brigitte; “it will take about that + time to get to the rue Caumartin. Josephine,” she cried, going to the door + of the salon, “we’ll dine at six, therefore be sure you put the turkey to + roast at the right time, and mind you don’t burn it, as you did the other + day. Bless me! who’s that?” and with a hasty motion she shut the door, + which she had been holding open. “What a nuisance! I hope Henri will have + the sense to tell him we are out.” + </p> + <p> + Not at all; Henri came in to say that an old gentleman, with a very + genteel air, had asked to be received on urgent business. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t you say we were all out?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I should have done if mademoiselle had not opened the door of + the salon so that the gentleman could see the whole family assembled.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” said Brigitte, “you are never in the wrong, are you?” + </p> + <p> + “What am I to say to him?” asked the man. + </p> + <p> + “Say,” replied Thuillier, “that I am very sorry not to be able to receive + him, but I am expected at a notary’s office about a marriage contract; but + that if he could return two hours hence—” + </p> + <p> + “I have told him all that,” said Henri, “and he answered that that + contract was precisely what he had come about, and that his business + concerned you more than himself.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better go and see him, Thuillier, and get rid of him in + double-quick,” said Brigitte; “that’s shorter than talking to Henri, who + is always an orator.” + </p> + <p> + If la Peyrade had been consulted he might not have joined in that advice, + for he had had more than one specimen of the spokes some occult influence + was putting into the wheels of his marriage, and the present visit seemed + to him ominous. + </p> + <p> + “Show him into my study,” said Thuillier, following his sister’s advice; + and, opening the door which led from the salon to the study, he went to + receive his importunate visitor. + </p> + <p> + Brigitte immediately applied her eye to the keyhole. + </p> + <p> + “Goodness!” she exclaimed, “there’s my imbecile of a Thuillier offering + him a chair! and away in a corner, too, where I can’t hear a word they + say!” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was walking about the room with an inward agitation covered by + an appearance of great indifference. He even went up to the three women, + and made a few lover-like speeches to Celeste, who received them with a + smiling, happy air in keeping with the role she was playing. As for + Colleville, he was killing the time by composing an anagram on the six + words of “le journal ‘l’Echo de la Bievre,’” for which he had found the + following version, little reassuring (as far as it went) for the prospects + of that newspaper: “O d’Echo, jarni! la bevue reell”—but as the + final “e” was lacking to complete the last word, the work was not + altogether as satisfactory as it should have been. + </p> + <p> + “He’s taking snuff!” said Brigitte, her eye still glued to the keyhole; + “his gold snuff-box beats Minard’s—though, perhaps, it is only + silver-gilt,” she added, reflectively. “He’s doing the talking, and + Thuillier is sitting there listening to him like a buzzard. I shall go in + and tell them they can’t keep ladies waiting that way.” + </p> + <p> + But just as she put her hand on the lock she heard Thuillier’s visitor + raise his voice, and that made her look through the keyhole again. + </p> + <p> + “He is standing up; he’s going,” she said with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + But a moment later she saw she had made a mistake; the little old man had + only left his chair to walk up and down the room and continue the + conversation with greater freedom. + </p> + <p> + “My gracious! I shall certainly go in,” she said, “and tell Thuillier we + are going without him, and he can follow us.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the old maid gave two little sharp and very imperious raps on + the door, after which she resolutely entered the study. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade, goaded by anxiety, had the bad taste to look through the + keyhole himself at what was happening. Instantly he thought he recognized + the small old man he had seen under the name of “the commander” on that + memorable morning when he had waited for Madame de Godollo. Then he saw + Thuillier addressing his sister with impatience and with gestures of + authority altogether out of his usual habits of deference and submission. + </p> + <p> + “It seems,” said Brigitte, re-entering the salon, “that Thuillier finds + some great interest in that creature’s talk, for he ordered me bluntly to + leave them, though the little old fellow did say, rather civilly, that + they would soon be through. But Jerome added: ‘<i>Mind</i>, you are to + wait for me.’ Really, since he has taken to making newspapers I don’t know + him; he has set up an air as if he were leading the world with his wand.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very much afraid he is being entangled by some adventurer,” said la + Peyrade. “I am pretty sure I saw that old man at Madame de Godollo’s the + day I went to warn her off the premises; he must be of the same stripe.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t you tell me?” cried Brigitte. “I’d have asked him for news of + the countess, and let him see we knew what we knew of his Hungarian.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the sound of moving chairs was heard, and Brigitte darted back + to the keyhole. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, “he is really going, and Thuillier is bowing him out + respectfully!” + </p> + <p> + As Thuillier did not immediately return, Colleville had time to go to the + window and exclaim at seeing the little old gentleman driving away in an + elegant coupe, of which the reader has already heard. + </p> + <p> + “The deuce!” cried Colleville; “what an ornate livery! If he is an + adventurer he is a number one.” + </p> + <p> + At last Thuillier re-entered the room, his face full of care, his manner + extremely grave. + </p> + <p> + “My dear la Peyrade,” he said, “you did not tell us that another proposal + of marriage had been seriously considered by you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did; I told you that a very rich heiress had been offered to me, + but that my inclinations were here, and that I had not given any + encouragement to the affair; consequently, of course, there was no serious + engagement.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think you do wrong to treat that proposal so lightly.” + </p> + <p> + “What! do you mean to say, in presence of these ladies, that you blame me + for remaining faithful to my first desires and our old engagement?” + </p> + <p> + “My friend, the conversation that I have just had has been a most + instructive one to me; and when you know what I know, with other details + personal to yourself, which will be confided to you, I think that you will + enter into my ideas. One thing is certain; we shall not go to the notary + to-day; and as for you, the best thing that you can do is to go, without + delay, to Monsieur du Portail.” + </p> + <p> + “That name again! it pursues me like a remorse,” exclaimed la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; go at once; he is awaiting you. It is an indispensable preliminary + before we can go any farther. When you have seen that excellent man and + heard what he has to say to you—well, <i>then</i> if you persist in + claiming Celeste’s hand, we might perhaps carry out our plans. Until then + we shall take no steps in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my poor Thuillier,” said Brigitte, “you have let yourself be + gammoned by a rascal; that man belongs to the Godollo set.” + </p> + <p> + “Madame de Godollo,” replied Thuillier, “is not at all what you suppose + her to be, and the best thing this house can do is never to say one word + about her, either good or evil. As for la Peyrade, as this is not the + first time he has been requested to go and see Monsieur du Portail, I am + surprised that he hesitates to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” said Brigitte, “that little old man has completely befooled you.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you that that little old man is all that he appears to be. He + wears seven crosses, he drives in a splendid equipage, and he has told me + things that have overwhelmed me with astonishment.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps he’s a fortune-teller like Madame Fontaine, who managed + once upon a time to upset me when Madame Minard and I, just to amuse + ourselves, went to consult her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if he is not a sorcerer he certainly has a very long arm,” said + Thuillier, “and I think a man would suffer for it if he didn’t respect his + advice. As for you, Brigitte, he saw you only for a minute, but he told me + your whole character; he said you were a masterful woman, born to + command.” + </p> + <p> + “The fact is,” said Brigitte, licking her chops at this compliment, like a + cat drinking cream, “he has a very well-bred air, that little old fellow. + You take my advice, my dear,” she said, turning to la Peyrade; “if such a + very big-wig as that wants you to do so, go and see this du Portail, + whoever he is. That, it seems to me, won’t bind you to anything.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, Brigitte,” said Colleville; “as for me, I’d follow up all + the Portails, or Port<i>ers</i>, or Port<i>ents</i> for the matter of + that, if they asked me to.” + </p> + <p> + The scene was beginning to resemble that in the “Barber of Seville,” where + everybody tells Basil to go to bed, for he certainly has a fever. La + Peyrade, thus prodded, picked up his hat in some ill-humor, and went where + his destiny called him,—“quo sua fata vocabant.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. AT DU PORTAIL’S + </h2> + <p> + On reaching the rue Honore-Chevalier la Peyrade felt a doubt; the + dilapidated appearance of the house to which he was summoned made him + think he had mistaken the number. It seemed to him that a person of + Monsieur du Portail’s evident importance could not inhabit such a place. + It was therefore with some hesitation that he accosted Sieur Perrache, the + porter. But no sooner had he entered the antechamber of the apartment + pointed out to him than the excellent deportment of Bruneau, the old + valet, and the extremely comfortable appearance of the furniture and other + appointments made him see that he was probably in the right place. + Introduced at once, as soon as he had given his name, into the study of + the master of the house, his surprise was great when he found himself in + presence of the commander, so called, the friend of Madame de Godollo, and + the little old man he had seen half an hour earlier with Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “At last!” said du Portail, rising, and offering la Peyrade a chair, “at + last we meet, my refractory friend; it has taken a good deal to bring you + here.” + </p> + <p> + “May I know, monsieur,” said la Peyrade, haughtily, not taking the chair + which was offered to him, “what interest you have in meddling with my + affairs? I do not know you, and I may add that the place where I once saw + you did not create an unconquerable desire in me to make your + acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you seen me?” asked du Portail. + </p> + <p> + “In the apartment of a strumpet who called herself Madame de Godollo.” + </p> + <p> + “Where monsieur, consequently, went himself,” said the little old man, + “and for a purpose much less disinterested than mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not come here,” said la Peyrade, “to bandy words with any one. I + have the right, monsieur, to a full explanation as to the meaning of your + proceedings towards me. I therefore request you not to delay them by a + facetiousness to which, I assure you, I am not in the humor to listen.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, my dear fellow,” said du Portail, “sit down, for I am not in the + humor to twist my neck by talking up at you.” + </p> + <p> + The words were reasonable, and they were said in a tone that showed the + old gentleman was not likely to be frightened by grand airs. La Peyrade + therefore deferred to the wishes of his host, but he took care to do so + with the worst grace possible. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Cerizet,” said du Portail, “a man of excellent standing in the + world, and who has the honor to be one of your friends—” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to do with that man now,” said la Peyrade, sharply, + understanding the malicious meaning of the old man’s speech. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the time has been,” said du Portail, “when you saw him, at least, + occasionally: for instance, when you paid for his dinner at the Rocher de + Cancale. As I was saying, I charged the virtuous Monsieur Cerizet to sound + you as to a marriage—” + </p> + <p> + “Which I refused,” interrupted la Peyrade, “and which I now refuse again, + more vehemently than ever.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the question,” said the old man. “I think, on the contrary, that + you will accept it; and it is to talk over this affair with you that I + have so long desired a meeting.” + </p> + <p> + “But this crazy girl that you are flinging at my head,” said la Peyrade, + “what is she to you? She can’t be your daughter, or you would put more + decency into your hunt for a husband.” + </p> + <p> + “This young girl,” replied du Portail, “is the daughter of one of my + friends who died about ten years ago; at his death I took her to live with + me, and have given her all the care her sad condition needed. Her fortune, + which I have greatly increased, added to my own, which I intend to leave + to her, will make her a very rich heiress. I know that you are no enemy to + handsome ‘dots,’ for you have sought them in various places,—Thuillier’s + house, for instance, or, to use your own expression, that of a strumpet + whom you scarcely knew. I have therefore supposed you would accept at my + hands a very rich young woman, especially as her infirmity is declared by + the best physicians to be curable; whereas you can never cure Monsieur and + Mademoiselle Thuillier, the one of being a fool, the other of being a + fury, any more than you could cure Madame Komorn of being a woman of very + medium virtue and extremely giddy.” + </p> + <p> + “It may suit me,” replied la Peyrade, “to marry the daughter of a fool and + a fury if I choose her, or I might become the husband of a clever + coquette, if passion seized me, but the Queen of Sheba herself, if imposed + upon me, neither you, monsieur, nor the ablest and most powerful man + living could force me to accept.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely; therefore it is to your own good sense and intelligence that I + now address myself; but we have to come face to face with people in order + to speak to them, you know. Now, then, let us look into your present + situation, and don’t get angry if, like a surgeon who wants to cure his + patient, I lay my hand mercilessly on wounds which have long tormented and + harassed you. The first point to state is that the Celeste Colleville + affair is at an end for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” demanded la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Because I have just seen Thuillier and terrified him with the history of + the misfortunes he has incurred, and those he will incur if he persists in + the idea of giving you his goddaughter in marriage. He knows now that it + was I who paralyzed Madame du Bruel’s kind offices in the matter of the + cross; that I had his pamphlet seized; that I sent that Hungarian woman + into his house to handle you all, as she did; and that my hand is opening + fire in the ministerial journals, which will only increase from bad to + worse,—not to speak of other machinations which will be directed + against his candidacy. Therefore you see, my good friend, that not only + have you no longer the credit in Thuillier’s eyes of being his great + helper to that election, but that you actually block the way to his + ambition. That is enough to prove to you that the side by which you have + imposed yourself on that family—who have never sincerely liked or + desired you—is now completely battered down and dismantled.” + </p> + <p> + “But to have done all that which you claim with such pretension, who are + you?” demanded la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not say that you are very inquisitive, for I intend to answer + your question later; but for the present let us continue, if you please, + the autopsy of your existence, dead to-day, but which I propose to + resuscitate gloriously. You are twenty-eight years old, and you have begun + a career in which I shall not allow you to make another step. A few days + hence the Council of the order of barristers will assemble and will + censure, more or less severely, your conduct in the matter of the property + you placed with such candor in Thuillier’s hands. Do not deceive yourself; + censure from that quarter (and I mention only your least danger) is as + fatal to a barrister as being actually disbarred.” + </p> + <p> + “And it is to your kind offices, no doubt,” said la Peyrade, “that I shall + owe that precious result?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I may boast of it,” replied du Portail, “for, in order to tow you + into port it has been necessary to strip you of your rigging; unless that + were done, you would always have tried to navigate under your own sails + the bourgeois shoals that you are now among.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that he, undoubtedly, had to do with a strong hand, la Peyrade + thought best to modify his tone; and so, with a more circumspect air, he + said:— + </p> + <p> + “You will allow me, monsieur, to reserve my acknowledgments until I + receive some fuller explanation.” + </p> + <p> + “Here you are, then,” continued du Portail, “at twenty-eight years of age, + without a penny, virtually without a profession; with antecedents that are + very—middling; with associates like Monsieur Dutocq and the + courageous Cerizet; owing to Mademoiselle Thuillier ten thousand francs, + and to Madame Lambert twenty-five thousand, which you are no doubt + extremely desirous to return to her; and finally, this marriage, your last + hope, your sheet-anchor, has just become an utter impossibility. Between + ourselves, if I have something reasonable to propose to you, do you not + think that you had much better place yourself at my disposal?” + </p> + <p> + “I have time enough to prove that your opinion is mistaken,” returned la + Peyrade; “and I shall not form any resolutions so long as the designs you + choose to have upon me are not more fully explained.” + </p> + <p> + “You were spoken to, at my instigation, about a marriage,” resumed du + Portail. “This marriage, as I think, is closely connected with a past + existence from which a certain hereditary or family duty has devolved upon + you. Do you know what that uncle of yours, to whom you applied in 1829, + was doing in Paris? In your family he was thought to be a millionaire; + and, dying suddenly, you remember, before you got to him, he did not leave + enough for his burial; a pauper’s grave was all that remained to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you know him?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “He was my oldest and dearest friend,” replied du Portail. + </p> + <p> + “If that is so,” said la Peyrade, hastily, “a sum of two thousand francs, + which I received on my arrival in Paris from some unknown source—” + </p> + <p> + “Came from me,” replied du Portail. “Unfortunately, engaged at the time in + a rush of important affairs, which you shall hear of later, I could not + immediately follow up the benevolent interest I felt in you for your + uncle’s sake; this explains why I left you in the straw of a garret, where + you came, like a medlar, to that maturity of ruin which brought you under + the hand of a Dutocq and a Cerizet.” + </p> + <p> + “I am none the less grateful to you, monsieur,” said la Peyrade; “and if I + had known you were that generous protector, whom I was never able to + discover, I should have been the first to seek occasion to meet you and to + thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “A truce to compliments,” said du Portail; “and, to come at once to the + serious side of our present conference, what should you say if I told you + that this uncle, whose protection and assistance you came to Paris to + obtain, was an agent of that occult power which has always been the theme + of feeble ridicule and the object of silly prejudice?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not seize your meaning,” said la Peyrade, with uneasy curiosity; + “may I ask you to be more precise?” + </p> + <p> + “For example, I will suppose,” continued du Portail, “that your uncle, if + still living, were to say to you to-day: ‘You are seeking fortune and + influence, my good nephew; you want to rise above the crowd and to play + your part in all the great events of your time; you want employment for a + keen, active mind, full of resources, and slightly inclined to intrigue; + in short, you long to exert in some upper and elegant sphere that force of + will and subtlety which at present you are wasting in the silly and + useless manipulation of the most barren and tough-skinned animal on earth, + to wit: a bourgeois. Well, then, lower your head, my fine nephew; enter + with me through the little door which I will open to you; it gives + admittance to a great house, often maligned, but better far than its + reputation. That threshold once crossed, you can rise to the height of + your natural genius, whatever its spark may be. Statesmen, kings even, + will admit you to their most secret thoughts; you will be their occult + collaborator, and none of the joys which money and the highest powers can + bestow upon a man will be lacking to you.” + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur,” objected la Peyrade, “without venturing to understand + you, I must remark that my uncle died so poor, you tell me, that public + charity buried him.” + </p> + <p> + “Your uncle,” replied du Portail, “was a man of rare talent, but he had a + certain weak side in his nature which compromised his career. He was eager + for pleasure, a spendthrift, thoughtless for the future; he wanted also to + taste those joys that are meant for the common run of men, but which for + great, exceptional vocations are the worst of snares and impediments: I + mean the joys of family. He had a daughter whom he madly loved, and it was + through her that his terrible enemies opened a breach in his life, and + prepared the horrible catastrophe that ended it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that an encouragement to enter this shady path, where, you say, he + might have asked me to follow him?” + </p> + <p> + “But if I myself,” said du Portail, “should offer to guide you in it, what + then?” + </p> + <p> + “You, monsieur!” said la Peyrade, in stupefaction. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I—I who was your uncle’s pupil at first, and later his + protector and providence; I, whose influence the last half-century has + daily increased; I, who am wealthy; I, to whom all governments, as they + fall one on top of the others like houses of cards, come to ask for safety + and for the power to rebuild their future; I, who am the manager of a + great theatre of puppets (where I have Columbines in the style of Madame + de Godollo); I, who to-morrow, if it were necessary to the success of one + of my vaudevilles or one of my dramas, might present myself to your eyes + as the wearer of the grand cordon of the Legion of honor, of the Order of + the Black Eagle, or that of the Golden Fleece. Do you wish to know why + neither you nor I will die a violent death like your uncle, and also why, + more fortunate than contemporaneous kings, I can transmit my sceptre to + the successor whom I myself may choose? Because, like you, my young + friend, in spite of your Southern appearance, I was cold, profoundly + calculating, never tempted to lose my time on trifles at the outskirts; + because heat, when I was led by force of circumstances to employ it, never + went below the surface. It is more than probable that you have heard of + me; well, for you I will open a window in my cloud; look at me, observe me + well; have I a cloven hoof, or a tail at the end of my spine? On the + contrary, am I not a model of the most inoffensive of householders in the + Saint-Sulpice quarter? In that quarter, where I have enjoyed, I may say + it, universal esteem for the last twenty-five years, I am called du + Portail; but to you, if you will allow me, I shall now name myself <i>Corentin</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Corentin!” cried la Peyrade, with terrified astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, monsieur; and you see that in telling you that secret I lay my hand + upon you, and enlist you. Corentin! ‘the greatest man of the police in + modern times,’ as the author of an article in the ‘Biographies of Living + Men’ has said of me—as to whom I ought in justice to remark that he + doesn’t know a thing about my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said la Peyrade, “I can assure you that I shall keep that + secret; but the place which you offer me near you—in your employ—” + </p> + <p> + “That frightens you, or, at least, it makes you uneasy,” said Corentin, + quickly. “Before you have even considered the thing the word scares you, + does it? The police! <i>Police</i>! you are afraid to encounter the + terrible prejudice that brands it on the brow.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said la Peyrade, “it is a necessary institution; but I do not + think that it is always calumniated. If the business of those who manage + it is honorable why do they conceal themselves so carefully?” + </p> + <p> + “Because all that threatens society, which it is the mission of the police + to repress,” replied Corentin, “is plotted and prepared in hiding. Do + thieves and conspirators put upon their hats, ‘I am Guillot, the shepherd + of this flock’? And when we are after them must we ring a bell to let them + know we are coming?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said la Peyrade, “when a sentiment is universal it ceases to + be a prejudice, it becomes an opinion; and this opinion ought to be a law + to every man who desires to keep his own esteem and that of others.” + </p> + <p> + “And when you robbed that notary to enrich the Thuilliers for your own + advantage,” said Corentin, “did you keep your own esteem and that of the + Council of barristers? And who knows, monsieur, if in your life there are + not still blacker actions than that? I am a more honorable man than you, + because, outside of my functions, I have not one doubtful act upon my + conscience; and when the opportunity for <i>good</i> has been presented to + me I have done it—always and everywhere. Do you think that the + guardianship of that poor insane girl in my home has been all roses? But + she was the daughter of my old friend, your uncle, and when, feeling the + years creep on me, I propose to you, between sacks of money, to fit + yourself to take my place—” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried la Peyrade, “is that girl my uncle’s daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the girl I wish you to marry is the daughter of your uncle Peyrade,—for + he democratized his name,—or, if you like it better, she was the + daughter of Pere Canquoelle, a name he took from the little estate on + which your father lived and starved with eleven children. You see, in + spite of the secrecy your uncle always kept about his family, that I know + all about it. Do you suppose that before selecting you as your cousin’s + husband I had not obtained every possible information about you? And what + I have learned need not make you quite so supercilious to the police. + Besides, as the vulgar saying is, the best of your nose is made of it. + Your uncle belonged to the police, and, thanks to that, he became the + confidant, I might almost say the friend, of Louis XVIII., who took the + greatest pleasure in his companionship. And you, by nature and by mind, + also by the foolish position into which you have got yourself, in short, + by your whole being, have gravitated steadily to the conclusion I propose + to you, namely, that of succeeding me,—of succeeding Corentin. That + is the question between us, Monsieur. Do you really believe now that I + have not a grasp or a ‘seizin,’ as you call it, upon you, and that you can + manage to escape me for any foolish considerations of bourgeois vanity?” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade could not have been at heart so violently opposed to this + proposal as he seemed, for the vigorous language of the great master of + the police and the species of appropriation which he made of his person + brought a smile to the young man’s lips. + </p> + <p> + Corentin had risen, and was walking up and down the room, speaking, + apparently, to himself. + </p> + <p> + “The police!” he cried; “one may say of it, as Basile said of calumny to + Batholo, ‘The police, monsieur! you don’t know what you despise!’ And, + after all,” he continued, after a pause, “who are they who despise it? + Imbeciles, who don’t know any better than to insult their protectors. + Suppress the police, and you destroy civilization. Do the police ask for + the respect of such people? No, they want to inspire them with one + sentiment only: fear, that great lever with which to govern mankind,—an + impure race whose odious instincts God, hell, the executioner, and the + gendarmes can scarcely restrain!” + </p> + <p> + Stopping short before la Peyrade, and looking at him with a disdainful + smile, he continued:— + </p> + <p> + “So you are one of those ninnies who see in the police nothing more than a + horde of spies and informers? Have you never suspected the statesmen, the + diplomats, the Richelieus it produces? Mercury, monsieur,—Mercury, + the cleverest of the gods of paganism,—what was he but the police + incarnate? It is true that he was also the god of thieves. We are better + than he, for we don’t allow that junction of forces.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said la Peyrade, “Vautrin, or, I should say, Jacques Collin, + the famous chief of the detective police—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes! but that’s in the lower ranks,” replied Corentin, resuming his + walk; “there’s always a muddy place somewhere. Still, don’t be mistaken + even in that. Vautrin is a man of genius, but his passions, like those of + your uncle, dragged him down. But go up higher (for there lies the whole + question, namely, the rung of the ladder on which a man has wits enough to + perch). Take the prefect, for instance, that honored minister, flattered + and respected, is he a spy? Well, I, monsieur, am the prefect of the + secret police of diplomacy—of the highest statesmanship. And you + hesitate to mount that throne!—to seem small and do great things; to + live in a cave comfortably arranged like this, and command the light; to + have at your orders an invisible army, always ready, always devoted, + always submissive; to know the <i>other side</i> of everything; to be + duped by no intrigue because you hold the threads of all within your + fingers; to see through all partitions; to penetrate all secrets, search + all hearts, all consciences,—these are the things you fear! And yet + you were not afraid to go and wallow in a Thuillier bog; you, a + thoroughbred, allowed yourself to be harnessed to a hackney-coach, to the + ignoble business of electing that parvenu bourgeois.” + </p> + <p> + “A man does what he can,” said la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s a very remarkable thing,” pursued Corentin, replying to his own + thought; “the French language, more just than public opinion, has given us + our right place, for it has made the word police the synonym of + civilization and the antipodes of savage life, when it said and wrote: + ‘l’Etat police,’ from the Greek words state and city. So, I can assure + you, we care little for the prejudice that tries to brand us; none know + men as we do; and to know them brings contempt for their contempt as well + as for their esteem.” + </p> + <p> + “There is certainly much truth in what you say with such warmth,” said la + Peyrade, finally. + </p> + <p> + “Much truth!” exclaimed Corentin, going back to his chair, “say, rather, + that it is all true, and nothing but the truth; yet it is not the whole + truth. But enough for to-day, monsieur. To succeed me in my functions, and + to marry your cousin with a ‘dot’ that will not be less than five hundred + thousand francs, that is my offer. I do not ask you for an answer now. I + should have no confidence in a determination not seriously reflected upon. + To-morrow, I shall be at home all the morning. I trust that my conviction + may then have formed yours.” + </p> + <p> + Dismissing his visitor with a curt little bow, he added: “I do not bid you + adieu, but au revoir, Monsieur de la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Corentin went to a side-table, where he found all that he needed + to prepare a glass of “eau sucree,” which he had certainly earned, and, + without looking at la Peyrade, who left the room rather stunned, he seemed + to have no other interest on his mind than that prosaic preparation. + </p> + <p> + Was it, indeed, necessary that the morning after this meeting with + Corentin a visit from Madame Lambert, now become an exacting and + importunate creditor, should come to bear its weight on la Peyrade’s + determination? As the great chief had pointed out to him the night before, + was there not in his nature, in his mind, in his aspirations, in the + mistakes and imprudences of his past life, a sort of irresistible incline + which drew him down toward the strange solution of existence thus suddenly + offered to him? + </p> + <p> + Fatality, if we may so call it, was lavish of the inducements to which he + was destined to succumb. This day was the 31st of October; the vacation of + the Palais was just over. The 2nd of November was the day on which the + courts reopened, and as Madame Lambert left his room he received a summons + to appear on that day before the Council of his order. + </p> + <p> + To Madame Lambert, who pressed him sharply to repay her, under pretence + that she was about to leave Monsieur Picot and return to her native place, + he replied: “Come here the day after to-morrow, at the same hour, and your + money will be ready for you.” + </p> + <p> + To the summons to give account of his actions to his peers he replied that + he did not recognize the right of the Council to question him on the facts + of his private life. That was an answer of one sort, certainly. Inevitably + it would result in his being stricken from the roll of the barristers of + the Royal courts; but, at least, it had an air of dignity and protestation + which saved, in a measure, his self-love. + </p> + <p> + Finally, he wrote a letter to Thuillier, in which he said that his visit + to du Portail had resulted in his being obliged to accept another + marriage. He therefore returned to Thuillier his promise, and took back + his own. All this was curtly said, without the slightest expression of + regret for the marriage he renounced. In a postscript he added: “We shall + be obliged to discuss my position on the newspaper,”—indicating that + it might enter into his plans not to retain it. + </p> + <p> + He was careful to make a copy of this letter, and an hour later, when, in + Corentin’s study, he was questioned as to the result of his night’s + reflections, he gave that great general, for all answer, the matrimonial + resignation he had just despatched. + </p> + <p> + “That will do,” said Corentin. “But as for your position on the newspaper, + you may perhaps have to keep it for a time. The candidacy of that fool + interferes with the plans of the government, and we must manage in some + way to trip up the heels of the municipal councillor. In your position as + editor-in-chief you may find a chance to do it, and I think your + conscience won’t kick at the mission.” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” said la Peyrade, “the thought of the humiliations to which I + have been so long subjected will make it a precious joy to lash that + bourgeois brood.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care!” said Corentin; “you are young, and you must watch against + those revengeful emotions. In our austere profession we love nothing and + we hate nothing. Men are to us mere pawns of wood or ivory, according to + their quality—with which we play our game. We are like the blade + that cuts what is given it to cut, but, careful only to be delicately + sharpened, wishes neither harm nor good to any one. Now let us speak of + your cousin, to whom, I suppose, you have some curiosity to be presented.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was not obliged to pretend to eagerness, that which he felt was + genuine. + </p> + <p> + “Lydie de la Peyrade,” said Corentin, “is nearly thirty, but her + innocence, joined to a gentle form of insanity, has kept her apart from + all those passions, ideas, and impressions which use up life, and has, if + I may say so, embalmed her in a sort of eternal youth. You would not think + her more than twenty. She is fair and slender; her face, which is very + delicate, is especially remarkable for an expression of angelic sweetness. + Deprived of her full reason by a terrible catastrophe, her monomania has + something touching about it. She always carries in her arms or keeps + beside her a bundle of linen which she nurses and cares for as though it + were a sick child; and, excepting Bruneau and myself, whom she recognizes, + she thinks all other men are doctors, whom she consults about the child, + and to whom she listens as oracles. A crisis which lately happened in her + malady has convinced Horace Bianchon, that prince of science, that if the + reality could be substituted for this long delusion of motherhood, her + reason would assert itself. It is surely a worthy task to bring back light + to a soul in which it is scarcely veiled; and the existing bond of + relationship has seemed to me to point you out as specially designated to + effect this cure, the success of which Bianchon and two other eminent + doctors who have consulted with him declare to be beyond a doubt. Now, I + will take you to Lydie’s presence; remember to play the part of doctor; + for the only thing that makes her lose her customary serenity is not to + enter into her notion of medical consultation.” + </p> + <p> + After crossing several rooms Corentin was on the point of taking la + Peyrade into that usually occupied by Lydie when employed in cradling or + dandling her imaginary child, when suddenly they were stopped by the sound + of two or three chords struck by the hand of a master on a piano of the + finest sonority. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “That is Lydie,” replied Corentin, with what might be called an expression + of paternal pride; “she is an admirable musician, and though she no longer + writes down, as in the days when her mind was clear, her delightful + melodies, she often improvises them in a way that moves me to the soul—the + soul of Corentin!” added the old man, smiling. “Is not that the finest + praise I can bestow upon her? But suppose we sit down here and listen to + her. If we go in, the concert will cease and the medical consultation + begin.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade was amazed as he listened to an improvisation in which the rare + union of inspiration and science opened to his impressionable nature a + source of emotions as deep as they were unexpected. Corentin watched the + surprise which from moment to moment the Provencal expressed by admiring + exclamations. + </p> + <p> + “Hein! how she plays!” said the old man. “Liszt himself hasn’t a firmer + touch.” + </p> + <p> + To a very quick “scherzo” the performer now added the first notes of an + “adagio.” + </p> + <p> + “She is going to sing,” said Corentin, recognizing the air. + </p> + <p> + “Does she sing too?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Like Pasta, like Malibran; but hush, listen to her!” + </p> + <p> + After a few opening bars in “arpeggio” a vibrant voice resounded, the + tones of which appeared to stir the Provencal to the depths of his being. + </p> + <p> + “How the music moves you!” said Corentin; “you were undoubtedly made for + each other.” + </p> + <p> + “My God! the same air! the same voice!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you already met Lydie somewhere?” asked the great master of the + police. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know—I think not,” answered la Peyrade, in a stammering + voice; “in any case, it was long ago—But that air—that voice—I + think—” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go in,” said Corentin. + </p> + <p> + Opening the door abruptly, he entered, pulling the young man after him. + </p> + <p> + Sitting with her back to the door, and prevented by the sound of the piano + from hearing what happened behind her, Lydie did not notice their + entrance. + </p> + <p> + “Now have you any remembrance of her?” said Corentin. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade advanced a step, and no sooner had he caught a glimpse of the + girl’s profile than he threw up his hands above his head, striking them + together. + </p> + <p> + “It is she!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + Hearing his cry, Lydie turned round, and fixing her attention on Corentin, + she said:— + </p> + <p> + “How naughty and troublesome you are to come and disturb me; you know very + well I don’t like to be listened to. Ah! but—” she added, catching + sight of la Peyrade’s black coat, “you have brought the doctor; that is + very kind of you; I was just going to ask you to send for him. The baby + has done nothing but cry since morning; I was singing to put her to sleep, + but nothing can do that.” + </p> + <p> + And she ran to fetch what she called her child from a corner of the room, + where with two chairs laid on their backs and the cushions of the sofa, + she had constructed a sort of cradle. + </p> + <p> + As she went towards la Peyrade, carrying her precious bundle with one + hand, with the other she was arranging the imaginary cap of her “little + darling,” having no eyes except for the sad creation of her disordered + brain. Step by step, as she advanced, la Peyrade, pale, trembling, and + with staring eyes, retreated backwards, until he struck against a seat, + into which, losing his equilibrium, he fell. + </p> + <p> + A man of Corentin’s power and experience, and who, moreover, knew to its + slightest detail the horrible drama in which Lydie had lost her reason, + had already, of course, taken in the situation, but it suited his purpose + and his ideas to allow the clear light of evidence to pierce this + darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Look, doctor,” said Lydie, unfastening the bundle, and putting the pins + in her mouth as she did so, “don’t you see that she is growing thinner + every day?” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade could not answer; he kept his handkerchief over his face, and + his breath came so fast from his chest that he was totally unable to utter + a word. + </p> + <p> + Then, with one of those gestures of feverish impatience, to which her + mental state predisposed her, she exclaimed, hastily:— + </p> + <p> + “But look at her doctor, look!” taking his arm violently and forcing him + to show his features. “My God!” she cried, when she had looked him in the + face. + </p> + <p> + Letting fall the linen bundle in her arms, she threw herself hastily + backwards, and her eyes grew haggard. Passing her white hands rapidly over + her forehead and through her hair, tossing it into disorder, she seemed to + be making an effort to obtain from her memory some dormant recollection. + Then, like a frightened mare, which comes to smell an object that has + given it a momentary terror, she approached la Peyrade slowly, stooping to + look into his face, which he kept lowered, while, in the midst of a + silence inexpressible, she examined him steadily for several seconds. + Suddenly a terrible cry escaped her breast; she ran for refuge into the + arms of Corentin, and pressing herself against him with all her force, she + exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Save me! save me! It is he! the wretch! It is he who did it!” + </p> + <p> + And, with her finger pointed at la Peyrade, she seemed to nail the + miserable object of her terror to his place. + </p> + <p> + After this explosion, she muttered a few disconnected words, and her eyes + closed; Corentin felt the relaxing of all the muscles by which she had + held him as in a vice the moment before, and he took her in his arms and + laid her on the sofa, insensible. + </p> + <p> + “Do not stay here, monsieur,” said Corentin. “Go into my study; I will + come to you presently.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later, after giving Lydie into the care of Katte and + Bruneau, and despatching Perrache for Doctor Bianchon, Corentin rejoined + la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “You see now, monsieur,” he said with solemnity, “that in pursuing with a + sort of passion the idea of this marriage, I was following, in a sense, + the ways of God.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said la Peyrade, with compunction, “I will confess to you—” + </p> + <p> + “Useless,” said Corentin; “you can tell me nothing that I do not know; I, + on the contrary, have much to tell you. Old Peyrade, your uncle, in the + hope of earning a POT for this daughter whom he idolized, entered into a + dangerous private enterprise, the nature of which I need not explain. In + it he made enemies; enemies who stopped at nothing,—murder, poison, + rape. To paralyze your uncle’s action by attacking him in his dearest + spot, Lydie was, not abducted, but enticed from her home and taken to a + house apparently respectable, where for ten days she was kept concealed. + She was not much alarmed by this detention, being told that it was done at + her father’s wish, and she spent her time with her music—you + remember, monsieur, how she sang?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” exclaimed la Peyrade, covering his face with his hands. + </p> + <p> + “I told you yesterday that you might perhaps have more upon your + conscience than the Thuillier house. But you were young; you had just come + from your province, with that brutality, that frenzy of Southern blood in + your veins which flings itself upon such an occasion. Besides, your + relationship became known to those who were preparing the ruin of this new + Clarissa Harlowe, and I am willing to believe than an abler and better man + than you might not have escaped the entanglement into which you fell. + Happily, Providence has granted that there is nothing absolutely + irreparable in this horrible history. The same poison, according to the + use that is made of it, may give either death or health.” + </p> + <p> + “But, monsieur,” said la Peyrade, “shall I not always be to her an object + of horror?” + </p> + <p> + “The doctor, monsieur,” said Katte, opening the door. + </p> + <p> + “How is Mademoiselle Lydie?” asked la Peyrade, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Very calm,” replied Katte. “Just now, when we put her to bed,—though + she did not want to go, saying she felt well,—I took her the bundle + of linen, but she told me to take it away, and asked what I meant her to + do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said Corentin, grasping the Provencal’s hand, “you are the + lance of Achilles.” + </p> + <p> + And he left the room with Katte to receive Doctor Bianchon. + </p> + <p> + Left alone, Theodose was a prey to thoughts which may perhaps be imagined. + After a while the door opened, and Bruneau, the old valet, ushered in + Cerizet. Seeing la Peyrade, the latter exclaimed:— + </p> + <p> + “Ha! ha! I knew it! I knew you would end by seeing du Portail. And the + marriage,—how does that come on?” + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing here?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Something that concerns you; or rather, something that we must do + together. Du Portail, who is too busy to attend to business just now, has + sent me in here to see you, and consult as to the best means of putting a + spoke in Thuillier’s election; it seems that the government is determined + to prevent his winning it. Have you any ideas about it?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied la Peyrade; “and I don’t feel in the mood just now to be + imaginative.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, here’s the situation,” said Cerizet. “The government has another + candidate, which it doesn’t yet produce, because the ministerial + negotiations with him have been rather difficult. During this time + Thuillier’s chances have been making headway. Minard, on whom they counted + to create a diversion, sits, the stupid fool, in his corner; the seizure + of that pamphlet has given your blockhead of a protege a certain perfume + of popularity. In short, the ministry are afraid he’ll be elected, and + nothing could be more disagreeable to them. Pompous imbeciles, like + Thuillier, are horribly embarrassing in the Opposition; they are pitchers + without handles; you can’t take hold of them anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Cerizet,” said la Peyrade, beginning to assume a protecting + tone, and wishing to discover his late associate’s place in Corentin’s + confidence, “you seem to know a good deal about the secret intentions of + the government; have you found your way to a certain desk in the rue de + Grenelle?” + </p> + <p> + “No. All that I tell you,” said Cerizet, “I get from du Portail.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” said la Peyrade, lowering his voice, “who <i>is</i> du Portail? + You seem to have known him for some time. A man of your force ought to + have discovered the real character of a man who seems to me to be rather + mysterious.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” replied Cerizet, “du Portail is a pretty strong man. He’s an + old slyboots, who has had some post, I fancy, in the administration of the + national domain, or something of that kind, under government; in which, I + think, he must have been employed in the departments suppressed under the + Empire.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes?” said la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “That’s where I think he made his money,” continued Cerizet; “and being a + shrewd old fellow, and having a natural daughter to marry, he has + concocted this philanthropic tale of her being the daughter of an old + friend named Peyrade; and your name being the same may have given him the + idea of fastening upon you—for, after all, he has to marry her to + somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s all very well; but his close relations with the government, + and the interest he takes in elections, how do you explain all that?” + </p> + <p> + “Naturally enough,” replied Cerizet. “Du Portail is a man who loves money, + and likes to handle it; he has done Rastignac, that great manipulator of + elections, who is, I think, his compatriot, several signal services as an + amateur; Rastignac, in return, gives him information, obtained through + Nucingen, which enables him to gamble at the Bourse.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he himself tell you all this?” asked la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “What do you take me for?” returned Cerizet. “With that worthy old fellow, + from whom I have already wormed a promise of thirty thousand francs, I + play the ninny; I flatten myself to nothing. But I’ve made Bruneau talk, + that old valet of his. You can safely ally yourself to his family, my dear + fellow; du Portail is powerfully rich; he’ll get you made sub-prefect + somewhere; and thence to a prefecture and a fortune is but one step.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks for the information,” said la Peyrade; “at least, I shall know on + which foot to hop. But you yourself, how came you to know him?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that’s quite a history; by my help he was able to get back a lot of + diamonds which had been stolen from him.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Corentin entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “All is well,” he said to la Peyrade. “There are signs of returning + reason. Bianchon, to whom I have told all, wishes to confer with you; + therefore, my dear Monsieur Cerizet, we will postpone until this evening, + if you are willing, our little study over the Thuillier election.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, so here you have him, at last!” said Cerizet, slapping la Peyrade’s + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Corentin, “and you know what I promised; you may rely on + that.” + </p> + <p> + Cerizet departed joyful. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. CHECKMATE TO THUILLIER + </h2> + <p> + The day after that evening, when Corentin, la Peyrade, and Cerizet were to + have had their consultation in reference to the attack on Thuillier’s + candidacy, the latter was discussing with his sister Brigitte the letter + in which Theodose declined the hand of Celeste, and his mind seemed + particularly to dwell on the postscript where it was intimated that la + Peyrade might not continue the editor of the “Echo de la Bievre.” At this + moment Henri, the “male domestic,” entered the room to ask if his master + would receive Monsieur Cerizet. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier’s first impulse was to deny himself to that unwelcome visitor. + Then, thinking better of it, he reflected that if la Peyrade suddenly left + him in the lurch, Cerizet might possibly prove a precious resource. + Consequently, he ordered Henri to show him in. His manner, however, was + extremely cold, and in some sort expectant. As for Cerizet, he presented + himself without the slightest embarrassment and with the air of a man who + had calculated all the consequences of the step he was taking. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear monsieur,” he began, “I suppose by this time you have been + posted as to the Sieur la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “What may you mean by that?” said Thuillier, stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the man,” replied Cerizet, “who, after intriguing to marry your + goddaughter, breaks off the marriage abruptly—as he will, before + long, break that lion’s-share contract he made you sign about his + editorship—can’t be, I should suppose, the object of the same blind + confidence you formerly reposed in him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Thuillier, hastily, “then do you know anything about la + Peyrade’s intention of leaving the newspaper?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the other; “on the terms I now am with him, you can readily + believe we don’t see each other; still less should I receive his + confidences. But I draw the induction from the well-known character of the + person, and you may be sure that when he finds it for his interest to + leave you, he’ll throw you away like an old coat—I’ve passed that + way, and I speak from experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you must have had some difficulties with him before you joined my + paper?” said Thuillier, interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + “Parbleu!” replied Cerizet; “the affair of this house which he helped you + to buy was mine; I started that hare. He was to put me in relation with + you, and make me the principal tenant of the house. But the unfortunate + affair of that bidding-in gave him a chance to knock me out of everything + and get all the profits for himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Profits!” exclaimed Thuillier. “I don’t see that he got anything out of + that transaction, except the marriage which he now refuses—” + </p> + <p> + “But,” interrupted Cerizet, “there’s the ten thousand francs he got out of + you on pretence of the cross which you never received, and the twenty-five + thousand he owes to Madame Lambert, for which you went security, and which + you will soon have to pay like a good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s this I hear?” cried Brigitte, up in arms; “twenty-five thousand + francs for which you have given security?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, mademoiselle,” interposed Cerizet; “behind that sum which this woman + had lent him there was a mystery, and if I had not laid my hand on the + true explanation, there would certainly have been a very dirty ending to + it. La Peyrade was clever enough not only to whitewash himself in Monsieur + Thuillier’s eyes, but to get him to secure the debt.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said Thuillier, “how do you know that I did give security for that + debt, if you have not seen him since then?” + </p> + <p> + “I know it from the woman herself, who tells the whole story now she is + certain of being paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Brigitte to her brother, “a pretty business you are engaged + in!” + </p> + <p> + “Mademoiselle,” said Cerizet, “I only meant to warn Monsieur Thuillier a + little. I think myself that you are sure to be paid. Without knowing the + exact particulars of this new marriage, I am certain the family would + never allow him to owe you to such mortifying debts; if necessary, I + should be very glad to intervene.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said Thuillier, stiffly, “thanking you for your officious + intervention, permit me to say that it surprises me a little, for the + manner in which we parted would not have allowed me to hope it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca!” said Cerizet; “you don’t think I was angry with you for that, do + you? I pitied you, that was all. I saw you under the spell, and I said to + myself: ‘Leave him to learn la Peyrade by experience.’ I knew very well + that the day of justice would dawn for me, and before long, too. La + Peyrade is a man who doesn’t make you wait for his questionable + proceedings.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to say,” remarked Thuillier, “that I do not consider the rupture + of the marriage we had proposed a questionable proceeding. The matter was + arranged, I may say, by mutual consent.” + </p> + <p> + “And the trick he is going to play you by leaving the paper in the lurch, + and the debt he has saddled you with, what are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Cerizet,” continued Thuillier, still holding himself on the + reserve, “as I have said more than once to la Peyrade, no man is + indispensable; and if the editorship of my paper becomes vacant, I feel + confident that I shall at once meet with persons very eager to offer me + their services.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it for me you say that?” asked Cerizet. “Well, you haven’t hit the + nail; if you did me the honor to want my services it would be impossible + for me to grant them. I have long been disgusted with journalism. I let la + Peyrade, I hardly know why, persuade me to make this campaign with you; it + didn’t turn out happily, and I have vowed to myself to have no more to do + with newspapers. It was about another matter altogether than I came to + speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continued Cerizet, “remembering the business-like manner in which + you managed the affair of this house in which you do me the honor to + receive me, I thought I could not do better than to call your attention to + a matter of the same kind which I have just now in hand. But I shall not + do as la Peyrade did,—make a bargain for the hand of your + goddaughter, and profess great friendship and devotion to you personally. + This is purely business, and I expect to make my profit out of it. Now, as + I still desire to become the principal tenant of this house,—the + letting of which must be a care and a disappointment to mademoiselle, for + I saw as I came along that the shops were still unrented,—I think + that this lease to me, if you will make it, might be reckoned in to my + share of the profits. You see, monsieur, that the object of my visit has + nothing to do with the newspaper.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this new affair?” said Brigitte; “that’s the first thing to + know.” + </p> + <p> + “It relates to a farm in Beauce, which has just been sold for a song, and + it is placed in my hands to resell, at an advance, but a small one; you + could really buy it, as the saying is, for a bit of bread.” + </p> + <p> + And Cerizet went on to explain the whole mechanism of the affair, which we + need not relate here, as no one but Brigitte would take any interest in + it. The statement was clear and precise, and it took close hold on the old + maid’s mind. Even Thuillier himself, in spite of his inward distrust, was + obliged to own that the affair had all the appearance of a good + speculation. + </p> + <p> + “Only,” said Brigitte, “we must first see the farm ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + This, the reader will remember, was her answer to la Peyrade when he first + proposed the purchase of the house at the Madeleine. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is easier than that,” said Cerizet. “I myself want to see it, and + I have been intending to make a little excursion there. If you like, I’ll + be at your door this afternoon with a post-chaise, and to-morrow morning, + very early, we can examine the farm, breakfast at some inn near by, and be + back in time for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “A post-chaise!” said Brigitte, “that’s very lordly; why not take the + diligence?” + </p> + <p> + “Diligences are so uncertain,” replied Cerizet; “you never know at what + time they will get to a place. But you need not think about the expense, + for I should otherwise go alone, and I am only too happy to offer you two + seats in my carriage.” + </p> + <p> + To misers, small gains are often determining causes in great matters; + after a little resistance “pro forma,” Brigitte ended by accepting the + proposal, and three hours later the trio were on the road to Chartres, + Cerizet having advised Thuillier not to let la Peyrade know of his + absence, lest he might take some unfair advantage of it. + </p> + <p> + The next day, by five o’clock, the party had returned, and the brother and + sister, who kept their opinions to themselves in presence of Cerizet, were + both agreed that the purchase was a good one. They had found the soil of + the best quality, the buildings in perfect repair, the cattle looked sound + and healthy; in short, this idea of becoming the mistress of rural + property seemed to Brigitte the final consecration of opulence. + </p> + <p> + “Minard,” she remarked, “has only a town-house and invested capital, + whereas we shall have all that and a country-place besides; one can’t be + really rich without it.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier was not sufficiently under the charm of that dream—the + realization of which was, in any case, quite distant—to forget, even + for a moment, the “Echo de la Bievre” and his candidacy. No sooner had he + reached home than he asked for the morning’s paper. + </p> + <p> + “It has not come,” said the “male domestic.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a fine distribution, when even the owner of the paper is not + served!” cried Thuillier, discontentedly. + </p> + <p> + Although it was nearly dinner-time, and after his journey he would much + rather have taken a bath than rush to the rue Saint-Dominique, Thuillier + ordered a cab and drove at once to the office of the “Echo.” + </p> + <p> + There a fresh disappointment met him. The paper “was made,” as they say, + and all the employees had departed, even la Peyrade. As for Coffinet, who + was not to be found at his post of office-boy, nor yet at his other post + of porter, he had gone “of an errand,” his wife said, taking the key of + the closet in which the remaining copies of the paper were locked up. + Impossible, therefore, to procure the number which the unfortunate + proprietor had come so far to fetch. + </p> + <p> + To describe Thuillier’s indignation would be impossible. He marched up and + down the room, talking aloud to himself, as people do in moments of + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll turn them all out!” he cried. And we are forced to omit the rest of + the furious objurgation. + </p> + <p> + As he ended his anathema a rap was heard on the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” said Thuillier, in a tone that depicted his wrath and his + frantic impatience. + </p> + <p> + The door opened, and Minard rushed precipitately into his arms. + </p> + <p> + “My good, my excellent friend!” cried the mayor of the eleventh + arrondissement, concluding his embrace with a hearty shake of the hand. + </p> + <p> + “Why! what is it?” said Thuillier, unable to comprehend the warmth of this + demonstration. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear friend,” continued Minard, “such an admirable proceeding! + really chivalrous! most disinterested! The effect, I assure you, is quite + stupendous in the arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + “But what, I say?” cried Thuillier, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “The article, the whole action,” continued Minard, “so noble, so + elevated!” + </p> + <p> + “But what article? what action?” said the proprietor of the “Echo,” + getting quite beside himself. + </p> + <p> + “The article of this morning,” said Minard. + </p> + <p> + “The article of this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah ca! did you write it when you were asleep; or, like Monsieur Jourdain + doing prose, do you do heroism without knowing it?” + </p> + <p> + “I! I haven’t written any article!” cried Thuillier. “I have been away + from Paris for a day, and I don’t even know what is in this morning’s + paper; and the office-boy is not here to give me a copy.” + </p> + <p> + “I have one,” said Minard, pulling the much desired paper from his pocket. + “If the article is not years you have certainly inspired it; in any case, + the deed is done.” + </p> + <p> + Thuillier hurriedly unfolded the sheet Minard had given him, and devoured + rather than read the following article:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Long enough has the proprietor of this regenerated journal + submitted without complaint and without reply to the cowardly + insinuations with which a venal press insults all citizens who, + strong in their convictions, refuse to pass beneath the Caudine + Forks of power. Long enough has a man, who has already given + proofs of devotion and abnegation in the important functions of + the aedility of Paris, allowed these sheets to call him ambitious + and self-seeking. Monsieur Jerome Thuillier, strong in his + dignity, has suffered such coarse attacks to pass him with + contempt. Encouraged by this disdainful silence, the stipendiaries + of the press have dared to write that this journal, a work of + conviction and of the most disinterested patriotism, was but the + stepping-stone of a man, the speculation of a seeker for election. + Monsieur Jerome Thuillier has held himself impassible before these + shameful imputations because justice and truth are patient, and he + bided his time to scotch the reptile. That time has come. +</pre> + <p> + “That deuce of a Peyrade!” said Thuillier, stopping short; “how he does + touch it off!” + </p> + <p> + “It is magnificent!” cried Minard. + </p> + <p> + Reading aloud, Thuillier continued:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Every one, friends and enemies alike, can bear witness that + Monsieur Jerome Thuillier has done nothing to seek a candidacy + which was offered to him spontaneously. +</pre> + <p> + “That’s evident,” said Thuillier, interrupting himself. Then he resumed:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + But, since his sentiments are so odiously misrepresented, and his + intentions so falsely travestied, Monsieur Jerome Thuillier owes + it to himself, and above all to the great national party of which + he is the humblest soldier, to give an example which shall + confound the vile sycophants of power. +</pre> + <p> + “It is fine, the way la Peyrade poses me!” said Thuillier, pausing once + more in his reading. “I see now why he didn’t send me the paper; he wanted + to enjoy my surprise—‘confound the vile sycophants of power!’ how + fine that is!” + </p> + <p> + After which reflection, he continued:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Monsieur Thuillier was so far from founding this journal of + dynastic opposition to support and promote his election that, at + the very moment when the prospects of that election seem most + favorable to himself and most disastrous to his rivals, he here + declares publicly, and in the most formal, absolute, and + irrevocable manner that he <i>renounces his candidacy</i>. +</pre> + <p> + “What?” cried Thuillier, thinking he had read wrong, or had misunderstood + what he read. + </p> + <p> + “Go on! go on!” said the mayor of the eleventh. + </p> + <p> + Then, as Thuillier, with a bewildered air, seemed not disposed to continue + his reading, Minard took the paper from his hands and read the rest of the + article himself, beginning where the other had left off:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Renounces his candidacy; and he strongly urges the electors to + transfer to Monsieur Minard, mayor of the eleventh arrondissement + and his friend and colleague in his municipal functions, all the + votes with which they seemed about to honor him. +</pre> + <p> + “But this is infamous!” cried Thuillier, recovering his speech; “you have + bought that Jesuit la Peyrade.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” said Minard, stupefied by Thuillier’s attitude, “the article was not + agreed upon between you?” + </p> + <p> + “The wretch has profited by my absence to slip it into the paper; I + understand now why he prevented a copy from reaching me to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear friend,” said Minard, “what you tell me will seem incredible to + the public.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you it is treachery; it is an abominable trap. Renounce my + candidacy!—why should I?” + </p> + <p> + “You understand, my dear friend,” said Minard, “that I am truly sorry if + your confidence has been abused, but I have just issued my circular + manifesto; the die is cast, and luck to the lucky now.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me,” said Thuillier; “it is a comedy for which you have paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Thuillier,” said Minard, in a threatening voice, “I advise you + not to repeat those words, unless you are ready to give me satisfaction + for them.” + </p> + <p> + Happily for Thuillier, who, we may remember, had made his profession of + faith as to civic courage some time before, he was relieved from answering + by Coffinet, who now opened the door of the editorial sanctum, and + announced:— + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs the electors of the twelfth arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + The arrondissement was represented on this occasion by five persons. An + apothecary, chairman of the deputation, proceeded to address Thuillier in + the following terms:— + </p> + <p> + “We have come, monsieur, after taking cognizance of an article inserted + this morning in the ‘Echo de la Bievre,’ to inquire of you what may be + precisely the origin and bearing of that article; thinking it incredible + that, having solicited our suffrages, you should, on the eve of this + election, and from a most mistaken puritanism, have cast disorder and + disunion into our ranks, and probably have caused the triumph of the + ministerial candidate. A candidate does not belong to himself; he belongs + to the electors who have promised to honor him with their votes. But,” + continued the orator, casting his eye at Minard, “the presence in these + precincts of the candidate whom you have gone out of your way to recommend + to us, indicates that between you and him there is connivance; and I have + no need to ask who is being here deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “No, messieurs, no,” said Thuillier; “I have not renounced my candidacy. + That article was written and printed without my knowledge or consent. + To-morrow you will see the denial of it in the same paper, and you will + also learn that the infamous person who has betrayed my confidence is no + longer the editor of this journal.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the orator of the deputation, “in spite of your declaration + to the contrary, you do continue to be the candidate of the Opposition?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, messieurs, until death; and I beg you to use your utmost influence + in the quarter to neutralize the effect of this deliberate falsehood until + I am able to officially present the most formal disavowal.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear! hear!” said the electors. + </p> + <p> + “And, as for the presence of Monsieur Minard, my competitor, in these + precincts, I have not invited it; and at the moment when you entered this + room, I was engaged in a very sharp and decided explanation with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear! hear!” said the electors again. + </p> + <p> + Then, after cordially shaking the hand of the apothecary, Thuillier + conducted the deputation to the outer door of the apartment; after which, + returning to the editorial sanctum, he said:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Minard, I withdraw the words which wounded you; but you can see + now what justification I had for my indignation.” + </p> + <p> + Here Coffinet again opened the door and announced:— + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs the electors of the eleventh arrondissement.” + </p> + <p> + The arrondissement was represented this time by seven persons. A + linen-draper, chairman of the delegation, addressed Thuillier in the + following speech:— + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur, it is with sincere admiration that we have learned this morning + from the columns of your paper, the great civic act by which you have + touched all hearts. You have shown, in thus retiring, a most unusual + disinterestedness, and the esteem of your fellow-citizens—” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” said Thuillier, interrupting him, “I cannot allow you to + continue; the article about which you are so good as to congratulate me, + was inserted by mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said the linen-draper; “then do you not retire? Can you suppose + that in opposition to the candidacy of Monsieur Minard (whose presence in + these precincts seems to me rather singular) you have the slightest chance + of success?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said Thuillier, “have the goodness to request the electors of + your arrondissement to await the issue of to-morrow’s paper, in which I + shall furnish categorical explanations of the most distinct character. The + article to-day is the result of a misunderstanding.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a sad pity, monsieur,” said the linen-draper, “if you lose + this occasion to place yourself in the eyes of your fellow-citizens beside + the Washingtons and other great men of antiquity.” + </p> + <p> + “I say again, <i>to-morrow</i>, messieurs,” said Thuillier. “I am none the + less sensible to the honor you do me, and I trust that when you know the + whole truth, I shall not suffer in your esteem.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty queer mess this seems to be,” said the voice of an elector. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said another; “it looks as if they meant to bamboozle us.” + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs, messieurs!” cried the chairman, putting a stop to the + outbreak; “to-morrow—we will wait until to-morrow for the promised + explanations.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon, the deputation retired. + </p> + <p> + It is not likely that Thuillier would have accompanied them beyond the + door of the sanctum, but in any case he was prevented by the sudden + entrance of la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “I have just come from your house, my dear fellow,” said the Provencal; + “they told me I should find you here.” + </p> + <p> + “You have come, doubtless, for the purpose of explaining to me the strange + article you allowed yourself to insert in my name.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely,” said la Peyrade. “The remarkable man whom you know, and whose + powerful influence you have already felt, confided to me yesterday, in + your interests, the plans of the government, and I saw at once that your + defeat was inevitable. I wished therefore to secure to you an honorable + and dignified retreat. There was no time to lose; you were absent from + Paris, and therefore—” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, monsieur,” said Thuillier; “but you will take notice that from + the present moment you are no longer the editor of this paper.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what I came to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you also came to settle the little account we have together.” + </p> + <p> + “Messieurs,” said Minard, “I see that this is a business interview; I + shall therefore take leave of you.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Minard had left the room, la Peyrade pulled out his + pocket-book. + </p> + <p> + “Here are ten thousand francs,” he said, “which I will beg you to remit to + Mademoiselle Brigitte; and here, also, is the bond by which you secured + the payment of twenty-five thousand francs to Madame Lambert; that sum I + have now paid in full, and here is the receipt.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, monsieur,” said Thuillier. + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade bowed and went away. + </p> + <p> + “Serpent!” said Thuillier as he watched him go. + </p> + <p> + “Cerizet said the right thing,” thought la Peyrade,—“a pompous + imbecile!” + </p> + <p> + The blow struck at Thuillier’s candidacy was mortal, but Minard did not + profit by it. While the pair were contending for votes, a government man, + an aide-de-camp to the king, arrived with his hands full of tobacco + licenses and other electoral small change, and, like the third thief, he + slipped between the two who were thumping each other, and carried off the + booty. + </p> + <p> + It is needless to say that Brigitte did not get her farm in Beauce. That + was only a mirage, by help of which Thuillier was enticed out of Paris + long enough for la Peyrade to deal his blow,—a service rendered to + the government on the one hand, but also a precious vengeance for the many + humiliations he had undergone. + </p> + <p> + Thuillier had certainly some suspicions as to the complicity of Cerizet, + but that worthy managed to justify himself; and by manoeuvring the sale of + the “Echo de la Bievre,” now become a nightmare to the luckless owner, he + ended by appearing as white as snow. + </p> + <p> + The paper was secretly bought up by Corentin, and the late opposition + sheet became a “canard” sold on Sundays in the wine-shops and concocted in + the dens of the police. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS FUNCTIONS + </h2> + <p> + About two months after the scene in which la Peyrade had been convinced + that through a crime of his past life his future was irrevocably settled, + he (being now married to his victim, who was beginning to have lucid + intervals, though the full return of her reason would not take place until + the occasion indicated by the doctors) was sitting one morning with the + head of the police in the latter’s office. Taking part in the work of the + department, the young man was serving an apprenticeship under that great + master in the difficult and delicate functions to which he was henceforth + riveted. But Corentin found that his pupil did not bring to this + initiation all the ardor and amiability that he desired. It was plain that + in la Peyrade’s soul there was a sense of forfeiture and degradation; time + would get the better of that impression, but the callus was not yet + formed. + </p> + <p> + Opening a number of sealed envelopes enclosing the reports of his various + agents, Corentin glanced over these documents, seldom as useful as the + public suppose, casting them one after another contemptuously into a + basket, whence they issued in a mass for a burning. But to one of them the + great man evidently gave some particular attention; as he read it a smile + flickered on his lips, and when he had finished, instead of adding it to + the pile in the basket, he gave it to la Peyrade. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” he said, “here’s something that concerns you; it shows that in our + profession, which just now seems to you unpleasantly serious, we do + occasionally meet with comedies. Read it aloud; it will cheer me up.” + </p> + <p> + Before la Peyrade began to read, Corentin added:— + </p> + <p> + “I ought to tell you that the report is from a man called Henri, whom + Madame Komorn introduced as man-servant at the Thuilliers’; you probably + remember him.” + </p> + <p> + “So!” said la Peyrade, “servants placed in families! is that one of your + methods?” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes,” replied Corentin; “in order to know all, we must use all + means. But a great many lies are told about us on that subject. It is not + true that the police, making a system of it, has, at certain periods, by a + general enrolment of lacqueys and lady’s-maids, established a vast network + in private families. Nothing is fixed and absolute in our manner of + proceeding; we act in accordance with the time and circumstances. I wanted + an ear and an influence in the Thuillier household; accordingly, I let + loose the Godollo upon it, and she, in turn, partly to assist herself, + installed there one of our men, an intelligent fellow, as you will see for + yourself. But for all that, if, at another time, a servant came and + offered to sell me the secrets of his master, I should have him arrested, + and let a warning reach the ears of the family to distrust the other + servants. Now go on, and read that report.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Monsieur the Director of the Secret Police, +</pre> + <p> + read la Peyrade aloud,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I did not stay long with the little baron; he is a man wholly + occupied in frivolous pleasures; and there was nothing to be + gathered there that was worthy of a report to you. I have found + another place, where I have already witnessed several thing which + fit into the mission that Madame de Godollo gave me, and + therefore, thinking them likely to interest you, I hasten to bring + them to your knowledge. The household in which I am now employed + is that of an old savant, named Monsieur Picot, who lives on a + first floor, Place de la Madeleine, in the house and apartment + formerly occupied by my late masters, the Thuilliers— +</pre> + <p> + “What!” cried la Peyrade, interrupting his reading, “Pere Picot, that + ruined old lunatic, occupying such an apartment as that?” + </p> + <p> + “Go on, go on!” said Corentin; “life is full of many strange things. + You’ll find the explanation farther along; for our correspondent—it + is the defect of those fellows to waste themselves on details—is + only too fond of dotting his i’s.” + </p> + <p> + La Peyrade read on:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Thuilliers left this apartment some weeks ago to return to + their Latin quarter. Mademoiselle Brigitte never really liked our + sphere; her total want of education made her ill at ease. Just + because I speak correctly, she was always calling me ‘the orator,’ + and she could not endure Monsieur Pascal, her porter, because, + being beadle in the church of the Madeleine, he had manners; she + even found something to say against the dealers in the great + market behind the church, where, of course, she bought her + provisions; she complained that they gave themselves <i>capable</i> + airs, merely because they are not so coarse-tongued as those of + the Halle, and only laughed at her when she tried to beat them + down. She has leased the whole house to a certain Monsieur Cerizet + (a very ugly man, with a nose all eaten away) for an annual rent of + fifty-five thousand francs. This tenant seems to know what he is + about. He has lately married an actress at one of the minor + theatres, Mademoiselle Olympe Cardinal, and he was just about to + occupy himself the first-floor apartment, where he proposed to + establish his present business, namely, insurance for the “dots” + of children, when Monsieur Picot, arriving from England with his + wife, a very rich Englishwoman, saw the apartment and offered such + a good price that Monsieur Cerizet felt constrained to take it. + That was the time when, by the help of M. Pascal, the porter, with + whom I have been careful to maintain good relations, I entered the + household of Monsieur Picot. +</pre> + <p> + “Monsieur Picot married to a rich Englishwoman!” exclaimed la Peyrade, + interrupting himself again; “but it is incomprehensible.” + </p> + <p> + “Go on, I tell you,” said Corentin; “you’ll comprehend it presently.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The fortune of my new master, +</pre> + <p> + continued la Peyrade, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + is quite a history; and I speak of it to Monsieur le directeur + because another person in whom Madame de Godollo was interested + has his marriage closely mixed up in it. That other person is + Monsieur Felix Phellion, the inventor of a star, who, in despair + at not being able to marry that demoiselle whom they wanted to + give to the Sieur la Peyrade whom Madame de Godollo made such a + fool of— +</pre> + <p> + “Scoundrel!” said the Provencal, in a parenthesis. “Is that how he speaks + of me? He doesn’t know who I am.” + </p> + <p> + Corentin laughed heartily and exhorted his pupil to read on. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —who, in despair at not being able to marry that demoiselle . . . + went to England in order to embark for a journey round the world + —a lover’s notion! Learning of this departure, Monsieur Picot, + his former professor, who took great interest in his pupil, went + after him to prevent that nonsense, which turned out not to be + difficult. The English are naturally very jealous of discoveries, + and when they saw Monsieur Phellion coming to embark at the heels + of their own savants they asked him for his permit from the + Admiralty; which, not having been provided, he could not produce; + so then they laughed in his face and would not let him embark at + all, fearing that he should prove more learned than they. +</pre> + <p> + “He is a fine hand at the ‘entente cordiale,’ your Monsieur Henri,” said + la Peyrade, gaily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Corentin; “you will be struck, in the reports of nearly all + our agents, with this general and perpetual inclination to calumniate. But + what’s to be done? For the trade of spies we can’t have angels.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Left upon the shore, Telemachus and his mentor— +</pre> + <p> + “You see our men are lettered,” commented Corentin. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Telemachus and his mentor thought best to return to France, and + were about to do so when Monsieur Picot received a letter such as + none but an Englishwoman could write. It told him that the writer + had read his “Theory of Perpetual Motion,” and had also heard of + his magnificent discovery of a star; that she regarded him as a + genius only second to Newton, and that if the hand of her who + addressed him, joined to eighty thousand pounds sterling—that is, + two millions—of “dot,” was agreeable to him it was at his + disposal. The first thought of the good man was to make his pupil + marry her, but finding that impossible, he told her, before + accepting on his own account, that he was old and three-quarters + blind, and had never discovered a star, and did not own a penny. + The Englishwoman replied that Milton was not young either, and was + altogether blind; that Monsieur Picot seemed to her to have + nothing worse than a cataract, for she knew all about it, being + the daughter of a great oculist, and she would have him operated + upon; that as for the star, she did not care so very much about + that; it was the author of the “Theory of Perpetual Motion” who + was the man of her dreams, and to whom she again offered her hand + with eighty thousand pounds sterling (two millions) of “dot.” + Monsieur Picot replied that if his sight were restored and she + would consent to live in Paris, for he hated England, he would let + himself be married. The operation was performed and was + successful, and, at the end of three weeks the newly married pair + arrived in the capital. These details I obtained from the lady’s + maid, with whom I am on the warmest terms. +</pre> + <p> + “Oh! the puppy!” said Corentin, laughing. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The above is therefore hearsay, but what remains to be told to + Monsieur le directeur are facts of which I can speak “de visu,” + and to which I am, consequently, in a position to certify. As + soon as Monsieur and Madame Picot had installed themselves, which + was done in the most sumptuous and comfortable manner, my master + gave me a number of invitations to dinner to carry to the + Thuillier family, the Colleville family, the Minard family, the + Abbe Gondrin, vicar of the Madeleine, and nearly all the guests + who were present at another dinner a few months earlier, when he + had an encounter with Mademoiselle Thuillier, and behaved, I must + say, in a rather singular manner. All the persons who received + these invitations were so astonished to learn that the old man + Picot had married a rich wife and was living in the Thuilliers’ + old apartment that most of them came to inquire of Monsieur + Pascal, the porter, to see if they were hoaxed. The information + they obtained being honest and honorable, the whole society + arrived punctually on time; but Monsieur Picot did not appear. + The guests were received by Madame Picot, who does not speak + French and could only say, “My husband is coming soon”; after + which, not being able to make further conversation, the company + were dull and ill at ease. At last Monsieur Picot arrived, and all + present were stupefied on seeing, instead of an old blind man, + shabbily dressed, a handsome young elderly man, bearing his years + jauntily, like Monsieur Ferville of the Gymnase, who said with a + lively air: + + “I beg your pardon, mesdames, for not being here at the moment of + your arrival; but I was at the Academy of Sciences, awaiting the + result of an election,—that of Monsieur Felix Phellion, who has + been elected unanimously less three votes.” + + This news seemed to have a great effect upon the company. So then + Monsieur Picot resumed:— + + “I must also, mesdames, ask your pardon for the rather improper + manner in which I behaved a short time ago in the house where we + are now assembled. My excuse must be my late infirmity, the + annoyances of a family lawsuit, and of an old housekeeper who + robbed me and tormented me in a thousand ways, from whom I am + happily delivered. To-day you see me another man, rejuvenated and + rich with the blessings bestowed upon me by the amiable woman who + has given me her hand; and I should be in the happiest frame of + mind to receive you if the recollection of my young friend, whose + eminence as a man of science has just been consecrated by the + Academy, did not cast upon my mind a veil of sadness. All here + present,” continued Monsieur Picot, raising his voice, which is + rather loud, “are guilty towards him: I, for ingratitude when he + gave me the glory of his discovery and the reward of his immortal + labors; that young lady, whom I see over there with tears in her + eyes, for having foolishly accused him of atheism; that other + lady, with the stern face, for having harshly replied to the + proposals of his noble father, whose white hairs she ought rather + to have honored; Monsieur Thuillier, for having sacrificed him to + ambition; Monsieur Colleville, for not performing his part of + father and choosing for his daughter the worthiest and most + honorable man; Monsieur Minard, for having tried to foist his son + into his place. There are but two persons in the room at this + moment who have done him full justice,—Madame Thuillier and + Monsieur l’Abbe Gondrin. Well, I shall now ask that man of God + whether we can help doubting the divine justice when this generous + young man, the victim of all of us, is, at the present hour, at + the mercy of waves and tempests, to which for three long years he + is consigned.” + + “Providence is very powerful, monsieur,” replied the Abbe Gondrin. + “God will protect Monsieur Felix Phellion wherever he may be, and + I have the firmest hope that three years hence he will be among + his friends once more.” + + “But three years!” said Monsieur Picot. “Will it still be time? + Will Mademoiselle Colleville have waited for him?” + + “Yes, I swear it!” cried the young girl, carried away by an + impulse she could not control. + + Then she sat down again, quite ashamed, and burst into tears. + + “And you, Mademoiselle Thuillier, and you, Madame Colleville, will + you permit this young lady to reserve herself for one who is + worthy of her?” + + “Yes! Yes!” cried everybody; for Monsieur Picot’s voice, which is + very full and sonorous, seemed to have tears in it and affected + everybody. + + “Then it is time,” he said, “to forgive Providence.” + + And rushing suddenly to the door, where my ear was glued to the + keyhole, he very nearly caught me. + + “Announce,” he said to me, in a very loud tone of voice, “Monsieur + Felix Phellion and his family.” + + And thereupon the door of a side room opened, and five or six + persons came out, who were led by Monsieur Picot into the salon. + + At the sight of her <i>lover</i>, Mademoiselle Colleville was taken ill, + but the faint lasted only a minute; seeing Monsieur Felix at her + feet she threw herself into Madame Thuillier’s arms, crying out:— + + “Godmother! you always told me to hope.” + + Mademoiselle Thuillier, who, in spite of her harsh nature and want + of education, I have always myself thought a remarkable woman, now + had a fine impulse. As the company were about to go into the + dining-room,— + + “One moment!” she said. + + Then going up to Monsieur Phellion, senior, she said to him: + + “Monsieur and old friend! I ask you for the hand of Monsieur Felix + Phellion for our adopted daughter, Mademoiselle Colleville.” + + “Bravo! bravo!” they call cried in chorus. + + “My God!” said Monsieur Phellion, with tears in his eyes; “what + have I done to deserve such happiness?” + + “You have been an honest man and a Christian without knowing it,” + replied the Abbe Gondrin. +</pre> + <p> + Here la Peyrade flung down the manuscript. + </p> + <p> + “You did not finish it,” said Corentin, taking back the paper. “However, + there’s not much more. Monsieur Henri confesses to me that the scene had + <i>moved him</i>; he also says that, knowing the interest I had formerly + taken in the marriage, he thought he ought to inform me of its conclusion; + ending with a slightly veiled suggestion of a fee. No, stay,” resumed + Corentin, “here is a detail of some importance:—” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The English woman seems to have made it known during dinner that, + having no heirs, her fortune, after the lives of herself and her + husband, will go to Felix. That will make him powerfully rich one + of these days. +</pre> + <p> + La Peyrade had risen and was striding about the room with rapid steps. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Corentin, “what is the matter with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not true,” said the great detective. “I think you envy the + happiness of that young man. My dear fellow, permit me to tell you that if + such a conclusion were to your taste, you should have acted as he has + done. When I sent you two thousand francs on which to study law, I did not + intend you to succeed me; I expected you to row your galley laboriously, + to have the needful courage for obscure and painful toil; your day would + infallibly have come. But you chose to violate fortune—” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur!” + </p> + <p> + “I mean hasten it, reap it before it ripened. You flung yourself into + journalism; then into business, questionable business; you made + acquaintance with Messieurs Dutocq and Cerizet. Frankly, I think you + fortunate to have entered the port which harbors you to-day. In any case, + you are not sufficiently simple of heart to have really valued the joys + reserved for Felix Phellion. These bourgeois—” + </p> + <p> + “These bourgeois,” said la Peyrade, quickly,—“I know them now. They + have great absurdities, great vices even, but they have virtues, or, at + the least, estimable qualities; in them lies the vital force of our + corrupt society.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Your</i> society!” said Corentin, smiling; “you speak as if you were + still in the ranks. You have another sphere, my dear fellow; and you must + learn to be more content with your lot. Governments pass, societies perish + or dwindle; but we—<i>we</i> dominate all things; the police is + eternal.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TRANSLATOR’S NOTE + + Note.—This volume (“Les Petits Bourgeois”) was not published + until 1854, more than three years after Balzac’s death; although + he says of it in March, 1844: “I must tell you that my work + entitled ‘Les Petits Bourgeois,’ owing to difficulties of + execution, requires still a month’s labor, although the book is + entirely written.” And again, in October, 1846, he says: “It is to + such scruples” (care in perfecting his work) “that delays which + have injured several of my works are due; for instance, ‘Les + Paysans,’ which has long been nearly finished, and ‘Les Petits + Bourgeois,’ which has been in type at the printing office for the + last eighteen months.” + </pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ADDENDUM + </h2> + <h3> + The following personages appear in other stories of the Human Comedy. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Barbet + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + A Man of Business + The Seamy Side of History + The Middle Classes + + Baudoyer, Isidore + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + Cousin Pons + + Beaumesnil, Mademoiselle + The Middle Classes + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + A Second Home + + Bianchon, Horace + Father Goriot + The Atheist’s Mass + Cesar Birotteau + The Commission in Lunacy + Lost Illusions + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + A Bachelor’s Establishment + The Secrets of a Princess + The Government Clerks + Pierrette + A Study of Woman + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + Honorine + The Seamy Side of History + The Magic Skin + A Second Home + A Prince of Bohemia + Letters of Two Brides + The Muse of the Department + The Imaginary Mistress + The Middle Classes + Cousin Betty + The Country Parson + In addition, M. Bianchon narrated the following: + Another Study of Woman + La Grande Breteche + + Bousquier, Du (or Du Croisier or Du Bourguier) + Jealousies of a Country Town + The Middle Classes + + Brisetout, Heloise + Cousin Betty + Cousin Pons + The Middle Classes + + Bruel, Jean Francois du + A Bachelor’s Establishment + The Government Clerks + A Start in Life + A Prince of Bohemia + The Middle Classes + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + A Daughter of Eve + + Bruel, Claudine Chaffaroux, Madame du + A Bachelor’s Establishment + A Prince of Bohemia + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + Letters of Two Brides + The Middle Classes + + Bruno + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + Cardot (Parisian notary) + The Muse of the Department + A Man of Business + Jealousies of a Country Town + Pierre Grassou + The Middle Classes + Cousin Pons + + Cerizet + Lost Illusions + A Man of Business + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + Chaffaroux + Cesar Birotteau + A Prince of Bohemia + The Middle Classes + + Claparon, Charles + A Bachelor’s Establishment + Cesar Birotteau + Melmoth Reconciled + The Firm of Nucingen + A Man of Business + The Middle Classes + + Cochin, Emile-Louis-Lucien-Emmanuel + Cesar Birotteau + The Government Clerks + The Firm of Nucingen + The Middle Classes + + Colleville + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Colleville, Flavie Minoret, Madame + The Government Clerks + Cousin Betty + The Middle Classes + + Corentin + The Chouans + The Gondreville Mystery + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + Couture + Beatrix + The Firm of Nucingen + The Middle Classes + + Crochard, Charles + A Second Home + The Middle Classes + + Desroches (son) + A Bachelor’s Establishment + Colonel Chabert + A Start in Life + A Woman of Thirty + The Commission in Lunacy + The Government Clerks + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Firm of Nucingen + A Man of Business + The Middle Classes + + Dutocq + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Fleury + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Galathionne, Prince and Princess (both not in each story) + The Secrets of a Princess + The Middle Classes + Father Goriot + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + A Daughter of Eve + Beatrix + + Godard, Joseph + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Godeschal, Francois-Claude-Marie + Colonel Chabert + A Bachelor’s Establishment + A Start in Life + The Commission in Lunacy + The Middle Classes + Cousin Pons + + Grassou, Pierre + Pierre Grassou + A Bachelor’s Establishment + Cousin Betty + The Middle Classes + Cousin Pons + + Grindot + Cesar Birotteau + Lost Illusions + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + A Start in Life + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + Beatrix + The Middle Classes + Cousin Betty + + Katt + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + Keller, Adolphe + The Middle Classes + Pierrette + Cesar Birotteau + + La Peyrade, Charles-Marie-Theodose de + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + La Peyrade, Madame de + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + La Roche-Hugon, Martial de + Domestic Peace + The Peasantry + A Daughter of Eve + The Member for Arcis + The Middle Classes + Cousin Betty + + Laudigeois + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Lousteau, Etienne + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + A Bachelor’s Establishment + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + A Daughter of Eve + Beatrix + The Muse of the Department + Cousin Betty + A Prince of Bohemia + A Man of Business + The Middle Classes + The Unconscious Humorists + + Metivier + Lost Illusions + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Metivier (nephew) + The Seamy Side of History + The Middle Classes + + Minard, Auguste-Jean-Francois + The Government Clerks + The Firm of Nucingen + The Middle Classes + + Minard, Madame + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Phellion + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Poiret, the elder + The Government Clerks + Father Goriot + A Start in Life + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + Poiret, Madame (nee Christine-Michelle Michonneau) + Father Goriot + Scenes from a Courtesan’s Life + The Middle Classes + + Popinot, Jean-Jules + Cesar Birotteau + Honorine + The Commission in Lunacy + The Seamy Side of History + The Middle Classes + + Rabourdin, Xavier + The Government Clerks + At the Sign of the Cat and Racket + Cesar Birotteau + The Middle Classes + + Saillard + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Thuillier + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Thuillier, Marie-Jeanne-Brigitte + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Thuillier, Louis-Jerome + The Government Clerks + The Middle Classes + + Tillet, Ferdinand du + Cesar Birotteau + The Firm of Nucingen + The Middle Classes + A Bachelor’s Establishment + Pierrette + Melmoth Reconciled + A Distinguished Provincial at Paris + The Secrets of a Princess + A Daughter of Eve + The Member for Arcis + Cousin Betty + The Unconscious Humorists + + Vinet + Pierrette + The Member for Arcis + The Middle Classes + Cousin Pons + + Vinet, Olivier + The Member for Arcis + Cousin Pons + The Middle Classes +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s The Lesser Bourgeoisie, by Honore de Balzac + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LESSER BOURGEOISIE *** + +***** This file should be named 1641-h.htm or 1641-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/4/1641/ + +Produced by John Bickers, Dagny, and Bonnie Sala, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can 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