“Iwillpayyouifyouwillshowmehowtodisinheritmysonwithoutinjuringmydaughter-in-lawortheboy。”saidoldSechard，andtheypartedforthwith。
“Howwellthe’tallCointet’knowsthefolkheisdealingwith！Itisjustashesaid；thosesevenhundredfrancswillpreventthefatherfrompayingseventhousand。”thelittlelawyerthoughtwithinhimselfasheclimbedthepathtoAngouleme。“Still，thatoldslybootsofapaper-makermustnotoverreachus；itistimetoaskhimforsomethingbesidespromises。”
“Well，Daviddear，whatdoyoumeantodo？“askedEve，whenthelawyerhadfollowedherfather-in-law。
“Marion，putyourbiggestpotonthefire！“calledDavid；“Ihavemysecretfast。”
AtthisEveputonherbonnetandshawlandwalkingshoeswithfeverishhaste。
“Kolb，myfriend，getreadytogoout。”shesaid，“andcomewithme；
ifthereisanywayoutofthishell，Imustfindit。”
WhenEvehadgoneout，MarionspoketoDavid。“Dobesensible，sir。”
shesaid，“orthemistresswillfretherselftodeath。Makesomemoneytopayoffyourdebts，andthenyoucantrytofindtreasureatyourease——“
“Don’ttalk，Marion，saidDavid；“Iamgoingtoovercomemylastdifficulty，andthenIcanapplyforthepatentandtheimprovementonthepatentatthesametime。”
This“improvementonthepatent“isthecurseoftheFrenchpatentee。
Amanmayspendtenyearsofhislifeinworkingoutsomeobscureindustrialproblem；andwhenhehasinventedsomepieceofmachinery，ormadeadiscoveryofsomekind，hetakesoutapatentandimaginesthathehasarighttohisowninvention；thentherecomesacompetitor；andunlessthefirstinventorhasforeseenallpossiblecontingencies，thesecondcomermakesan“improvementonthepatent“
withascreworanut，andtakesthewholethingoutofhishands。Thediscoveryofacheapmaterialforpaperpulp，therefore，isbynomeanstheconclusionofthewholematter。DavidSechardwasanxiouslylookingaheadonallsideslestthefortunesoughtintheteethofsuchdifficultiesshouldbesnatchedoutofhishandsatthelast。
Dutchpaperasflaxpaperisstillcalled，thoughitisnolongermadeinHolland，isslightlysized；buteverysheetissizedseparatelybyhand，andthisincreasesthecostofproduction。Ifitwerepossibletodiscoversomewayofsizingthepaperinthepulping-trough，withsomeinexpensiveglue，likethatinuseto-daythoughevennowitisnotquiteperfect，therewouldbeno“improvementonthepatent“tofear。Forthepastmonth，accordingly，Davidhadbeenmakingexperimentsinsizingpulp。Hehadtwodiscoveriesbeforehim。
Evewenttoseehermother。Fortunately，itsohappenedthatMme。
Chardonwasnursingthedeputy-magistrate’swife，whohadjustgiventheMilaudsofNeversanheirpresumptive；andEve，inherdistrustofallattorneysandnotaries，tookintoherheadtoapplyforadvicetothelegalguardianofwidowsandorphans。ShewantedtoknowifshecouldrelieveDavidfromhisembarrassmentsbytakingthemuponherselfandsellingherclaimsupontheestate，andbesides，shehadsomehopeofdiscoveringthetruthastoPetit-Claud’sunaccountableconduct。Theofficial，struckwithMme。Sechard’sbeauty，receivedhernotonlywiththerespectduetoawomanbutwithasortofcourtesytowhichEvewasnotaccustomed。Shesawinthemagistrate’sfaceanexpressionwhich，sincehermarriage，shehadseeninnoeyesbutKolb’s；andforabeautifulwomanlikeEve，thisexpressionisthecriterionbywhichmenarejudged。Whenpassion，orself-interest，oragedimsthatsparkofunquestioningfealtythatgleamsinayoungman’seyes，awomanfeelsacertainmistrustofhim，andbeginstoobservehimcritically。TheCointets，Cerizet，andPetit-Claud——allthemenwhomEvefeltinstinctivelytobeherenemies——hadturnedhard，indifferenteyesonher；withthedeputy-magistrate，therefore，shefeltatease，although，inspiteofhiskindlycourtesy，hesweptallherhopesawaybyhisfirstwords。
“Itisnotcertain，madame，thattheCourt-Royalwillreversethejudgmentofthecourtrestrictingyourlienonyourhusband’sproperty，forpaymentofmoneysduetoyoubythetermsofyourmarriage-contract，tohouseholdgoodsandchattels。Yourprivilegeoughtnottobeusedtodefraudtheothercreditors。Butinanycase，youwillbeallowedtotakeyourshareoftheproceedswiththeothercreditors，andyourfather-in-lawlikewise，asaprivilegedcreditor，forarrearsofrent。Whenthecourthasgiventheorder，otherpointsmayberaisedastothe’contribution，’aswecallit，whenascheduleofthedebtsisdrawnup，andthecreditorsarepaidadividendinproportiontotheirclaims。
“ThenM。Petit-Claudisbringingustobankruptcy。”shecried。
“Petit-Claudiscarryingoutyourhusband’sinstructions。”saidthemagistrate；“heisanxioustogaintime，sohisattorneysays。Inmyopinion，youwouldperhapsdobettertowaivetheappealandbuyinatthesaletheindispensableimplementsforcarryingonthebusiness；
youandyourfather-in-lawtogethermightdothis，youtotheextentofyourclaimthroughyourmarriagecontract，andheforhisarrearsofrent。Butthatwouldbebringingthemattertoanendtoosoonperhaps。Thelawyersaremakingagoodthingoutofyourcase。”
“ButthenIshouldbeentirelyinM。Sechard’sfather’shands。I
shouldowehimthehireofthemachineryaswellasthehouse-rent；
andmyhusbandwouldstillbeopentofurtherproceedingsfromM。
Metivier，forM。Metivierwouldhavehadalmostnothing。”
“Thatistrue，madame。”
“Verywell，thenweshouldbeevenworseoffthanweare。”
“Thearmofthelaw，madame，isatthecreditor’sdisposal。Youhavereceivedthreethousandfrancs，andyoumustofnecessityrepaythemoney。”
“Oh，sir，canyouthinkthatwearecapable——“Evesuddenlycametoastop。Shesawthatherjustificationmightinjureherbrother。
“Oh！Iknowquitewellthatitisanobscureaffair，thatthedebtorsontheonesidearehonest，scrupulous，andevenbehavinghandsomely；
andthecreditor，ontheother，isonlyacat’s-paw——“
Eve，aghast，lookedathimwithbewilderedeyes。
“Youcanunderstand。”hecontinued，withalookfullofhomelyshrewdness，“thatweonthebenchhaveplentyoftimetothinkoverallthatgoesonunderoureyes，whilethegentlemenincourtarearguingwitheachother。”
Evewenthomeindespairoverheruselesseffort。Thateveningatseveno’clock，Doubloncamewiththenotificationofimprisonmentfordebt。Theproceedingshadreachedtheacutestage。
“Afterthis，Icanonlygooutafternightfall。”saidDavid。
EveandMme。Chardonburstintotears。Tobeinhidingwasforthemashamefulthing。AsforKolbandMarion，theyweremorealarmedforDavidbecausetheyhadlongsincemadeuptheirmindsthattherewasnoguileintheirmaster’snature；sofrightenedweretheyonhisaccount，thattheycameupstairsunderpretenceofaskingwhethertheycoulddoanything，andfoundEveandMme。Chardonintears；thethreewhoselifehadbeensostraightforwardhithertowereovercomebythethoughtthatDavidmustgointohiding。Andhow，moreover，couldtheyhopetoescapetheinvisiblespieswhohenceforthwoulddogeveryleastmovementofaman，unluckilysoabsent-minded？
“Gifmontamevillvaiteinliddlekvarterhour，shecanregonnoitrederenemy’scamp。”putinKolb。“YoushallseedotIoonderstandmeinpizness；forgifIlooklikeeinGerman，IameindrueVrenchman，andvatismore，Iamver’conning。”
“Oh！madame，dolethimgo。”beggedMarion。“Heisonlythinkingofsavinghismaster；hehasn’tanotherthoughtinhishead。KolbisnotanAlsacien，heis——eh！well——aregularNewfoundlanddogforrescuingfolk。”
“Go，mygoodKolb。”saidDavid；“wehavestilltimetodosomething。”
Kolbhurriedofftopayavisittothebailiff；anditsofelloutthatDavid’senemieswereinDoublon’soffice，holdingacouncilastothebestwayofsecuringhim。
Thearrestofadebtorisanunheard-ofthinginthecountry，anabnormalproceedingifevertherewasone。Everybody，inthefirstplace，knowseverybodyelse，andcreditoranddebtorbeingboundtomeeteachotherdailyalltheirliveslong，nobodylikestotakethisodiouscourse。Whenadefaulter——tousetheprovincialtermforadebtor，fortheydonotmincetheirwordsintheprovinceswhenspeakingofthislegalizedmethodofhelpingyourselftoanotherman’sgoods——whenadefaulterplansafailureonalargescale，hetakessanctuaryinParis。ParisisakindofCityofRefugeforprovincialbankrupts，analmostimpenetrableretreat；thewritofthepursuingbailiffhasnoforcebeyondthelimitsofhisjurisdiction，andthereareotherobstaclesrenderingitalmostinvalid。WhereforetheParisbailiffisempoweredtoenterthehouseofathirdpartytoseizethepersonofthedebtor，whileforthebailiffoftheprovincesthedomicileisabsolutelyinviolable。ThelawprobablymakesthisexceptionastoParis，becausethereitistherulefortwoormorefamiliestoliveunderthesameroof；butintheprovincesthebailiffwhowishestomakeforcibleentrymusthaveanorderfromtheJusticeofthePeace；andsowideadiscretionisallowedtheJusticeofthePeace，thatheispracticallyabletogiveorwithholdassistancetothebailiffs。TothehonoroftheJustices，itshouldbesaid，thattheydisliketheoffice，andarebynomeansanxioustoassistblindpassionsorrevenge。
Thereare，besides，otherandnolessseriousdifficultiesinthewayofarrestfordebt——difficultieswhichtendtotempertheseverityoflegislation，andpublicopinionnotinfrequentlymakesadeadletterofthelaw。Ingreatcitiestherearepoorordegradedwretchesenough；povertyandviceknownoscruples，andconsenttoplaythespy，butinalittlecountrytown，peopleknoweachothertoowelltoearnwagesofthebailiff；themeanestcreaturewhoshouldlendhimselftodirtyworkofthiskindwouldbeforcedtoleavetheplace。
Intheabsenceofrecognizedmachinery，therefore，thearrestofadebtorisaproblempresentingnosmalldifficulty；itbecomesakindofstrifeofingenuitybetweenthebailiffandthedebtor，andmatterformanypleasantstoriesinthenewspapers。
Cointettheelderdidnotchoosetoappearintheaffair；butthefatCointetopenlysaidthathewasactingforMetivier，andwenttoDoublon，takingCerizetwithhim。Cerizetwashisforemannow，andhadpromisedhisco-operationinreturnforathousand-francnote。Doubloncouldreckonupontwoofhisunderstrappers，andthustheCointetshadfourbloodhoundsalreadyonthevictim’strack。Attheactualtimeofarrest，Doubloncouldfurthermorecountuponthepoliceforce，whoarebound，ifrequired，toassistabailiffintheperformanceofhisduty。Thetwomen，Doublonhimself，andthevisitorswereallclosetedtogetherintheprivateoffice，beyondthepublicoffice，onthegroundfloor。
Atolerablywide-pavedlobby，akindofpassage-way，ledtothepublicoffice。Thegildedscutcheonsofthecourt，withtheword“Bailiff“
printedthereoninlargeblackletters，hungoutsideonthehousewalloneithersidethedoor。Bothofficewindowsgaveuponthestreet，andwereprotectedbyheavyironbars；buttheprivateofficelookedintothegardenattheback，whereinDoublon，anadorerofPomona，grewespalierswithmarkedsuccess。Oppositetheofficedooryoubeheldthedoorofthekitchen，and，beyondthekitchen，thestaircasethatascendedtothefirststory。ThehousewassituatedinanarrowstreetatthebackofthenewLawCourts，theninprocessofconstruction，andonlyfinishedafter1830——ThesedetailsarenecessaryifKolb’sadventuresaretobeintelligibletothereader。
ItwasKolb’sideatogotothebailiff，topretendtobewillingtobetrayhismaster，andinthiswaytodiscoverthetrapswhichwouldbelaidforDavid。KolbtoldtheservantwhoopenedthedoorthathewantedtospeaktoM。Doublononbusiness。Theservantwasbusywashingupherplatesanddishes，andnotverywellpleasedatKolb’sinterruption；shepushedopenthedooroftheouteroffice，andbadehimwaittheretillhermasterwasatliberty；then，ashewasastrangertoher，shetoldthemasterintheprivateofficethat“aman“wantedtospeaktohim。Now，“aman“soinvariablymeans“apeasant。”thatDoublonsaid，“Tellhimtowait。”andKolbtookaseatclosetothedooroftheprivateoffice。Therewerevoicestalkingwithin。
“Ah，bytheby，howdoyoumeantosetaboutit？For，ifwecancatchhimto-morrow，itwillbesomuchtimesaved。”ItwasthefatCointetwhospoke。
“Nothingeasier；thegafferhascomefairlybyhisnickname。”saidCerizet。
AtthesoundofthefatCointet’svoice，Kolbguessedatoncethattheyweretalkingabouthismaster，especiallyasthesenseofthewordsbegantodawnuponhim；but，whenherecognizedCerizet’stones，hisastonishmentgrewmoreandmore。
“Unddatfellowhafeatenhispread！“hethought，horror-stricken。
“Wemustdoitinthisway，boys。”saidDoublon。“Wewillpostourmen，atgoodlongintervals，abouttheRuedeBeaulieuandthePlaceduMurierineverydirection，sothatwecanfollowthegafferIlikethatwordwithouthisknowledge。Wewillnotlosesightofhimuntilheissafeinsidethehousewherehemeanstolieinhidingashethinks；therewewillleavehiminpeaceforawhile；thensomefinedaywewillcomeacrosshimbeforesunriseorsunset。”
“Butwhatishedoingnow，atthismoment？Hemaybeslippingthroughourfingers。”saidthefatCointet。
“Heisinhishouse。”answeredDoublon；“ifheleftit，Ishouldknow。
IhaveonewitnesspostedinthePlaceduMurier，anotheratthecorneroftheLawCourts，andanotherthirtypacesfromthehouse。Ifourmancameout，theywouldwhistle；hecouldnotmakethreepacesfromhisdoorbutIshouldknowofitatoncefromthesignal。”
Bailiffsspeakoftheirunderstrappersbythepolitetitleof“witnesses。”
HerewasbetterhapthanKolbhadexpected！Hewentnoiselesslyoutoftheoffice，andspoketothemaidinthekitchen。
“MeestairTouploneesencagedforsomtimetokom。”hesaid；“Ivillkombackearlyto-morrowmorning。”
AsuddenideahadstrucktheAlsacien，andheproceededtoputitintoexecution。Kolbhadservedinacavalryregiment；hehurriedofftoseealiverystable-keeper，anacquaintanceofhis，pickedoutahorse，haditsaddled，andrushedbacktothePlaceduMurier。HefoundMadameEveinthelowestdepthsofdespondency。
“Whatisit，Kolb？“askedDavid，whentheAlsacien’sfacelookedinuponthem，scaredbutradiant。
“Youhavescountrelsallarountyou。Desafestwayeestohidedemaster。Hafmontamethoughtofhidingthemasteranywheres？“
WhenKolb，honestfellow，hadexplainedthewholehistoryofCerizet’streachery，ofthecircletracedaboutthehouse，andofthefatCointet’sinterestintheaffair，andgiventhefamilysomeinklingoftheschemessetonfootbytheCointetsagainstthemaster，——thenDavid’srealpositiongraduallybecamefatallyclear。
“ItistheCointet’sdoing！“criedpoorEve，aghastatthenews；“THEY
areproceedingagainstyou！thataccountsforMetivier’shardness……Theyarepaper-makers——David！theywantyoursecret！“
“Butwhatcanwedotoescapethem？“exclaimedMme。Chardon。
“Ifdemisdresshadsomeliddleblaceverethemastercouldpehidden。”saidKolb；“Ibromisetotakehimderesodotnopodyshallknow。”
“Waittillnightfall，andgotoBasineClerget。”saidEve。“Iwillgonowandarrangeitallwithher。Inthiscase，Basinewillbelikeanotherselftome。”
“Spieswillfollowyou。”Davidsaidatlast，recoveringsomepresenceofmind。“HowcanwefindawayofcommunicatingwithBasineifnoneofuscangotoher？“
“Montamekango。”saidKolb。“Hereeesmyscheme——Igooutmitdermaster，vedrawsdervischtlersonourdrack。MontamekangotoMontemoiselleClerchet；nopodyvillvollowher。Ihafahorse；Itakedemasteroopbehint；undderteufelisinitiftheykatchesus。”
“Verywell；good-bye，dear。”saidpoorEve，springingtoherhusband’sarms；“noneofuscangotoseeyou，theriskistoogreat。Wemustsaygood-byeforthewholetimethatyourimprisonmentlasts。Wewillwritetoeachother；Basinewillpostyourletters，andIwillwriteundercovertoher。”
NosoonerdidDavidandKolbcomeoutofthehousethantheyheardasharpwhistle，andwerefollowedtotheliverystable。Oncethere，Kolbtookhismasterupbehindhim，withacautiontokeeptighthold。
“Veestleavay，mindgootvriends！Icarenotvonrap。”criedKolb。
“Youvillnotdatchanoldtrooper。”andtheoldcavalrymanclappedbothspurstohishorse，andwasoutintothecountryandthedarknessnotmerelybeforethespiescouldfollow，butbeforetheyhadtimetodiscoverthedirectionthathetook。
EvemeanwhilewentoutonthetolerablyingeniouspretextofaskingadviseofPostel，satawhileenduringtheinsultingpitythatspendsitselfinwords，leftthePostelfamily，andstoleawayunseentoBasineClerget，toldhertroubles，andaskedforhelpandshelter。
Basine，forgreatersafety，hadbroughtEveintoherbedroom，andnowsheopenedthedoorofalittlecloset，lightedonlybyaskylightinsuchawaythatpryingeyescouldnotseeintoit。Thetwofriendsunstoppedthefluewhichopenedintothechimneyofthestoveintheworkroom，wherethegirlsheatedtheirirons。EveandBasinespreadraggedcoverletsoverthebrickfloortodeadenanysoundthatDavidmightmake，putinatrucklebed，astoveforhisexperiments，andatableandachair。Basinepromisedtobringfoodinthenight；andasnoonehadoccasiontoenterherroom，Davidmightdefyhisenemiesoneandall，orevendetectives。
“Atlast！“Evesaid，withherarmsaboutherfriend，“atlastheisinsafety。”
EvewentbacktoPosteltosubmitafreshdoubtthathadoccurredtoher，shesaid。ShewouldliketheopinionofsuchanexperiencedmemberoftheChamberofCommerce；shesomanagedthatheescortedherhome，andlistenedpatientlytohiscommiseration。
“Wouldthishavehappenedifyouhadmarriedme？“——allthelittledruggist’sremarkswerepitchedinthiskey。
ThenhewenthomeagaintofindMme。PosteljealousofMme。Sechard，andfuriouswithherspouseforhispoliteattentiontothatbeautifulwoman。Theapothecaryadvancedtheopinionthatlittlered-hairedwomenwerepreferabletotall，darkwomen，who，likefinehorses，werealwaysinthestable，hesaid。Hegaveproofsofhissincerity，nodoubt，forMme。Postelwasverysweettohimnextday。
“Wemaybeeasy。”EvesaidtohermotherandMarion，whomshefoundstill“inataking。”inthelatter’sphrase。
“Oh！theyaregone。”saidMarion，whenEvelookedunthinkinglyroundtheroom。
OneleagueoutofAngoulemeonthemainroadtoParis，Kolbstopped。
“Vereshallwego？“
“ToMarsac。”saidDavid；“sinceweareonthewayalready，Iwilltryoncemoretosoftenmyfather’sheart。”
“Iwouldradermounttoderassaultofapattery。”saidKolb，“yourresbectedfaderhafnoheartwhatefer。”
Theex-pressmanhadnobeliefinhisson；hejudgedhimfromtheoutsidepointofview，andwaitedforresults。Hehadnoidea，tobeginwith，thathehadplunderedDavid，nordidhemakeallowancefortheverydifferentcircumstancesunderwhichtheyhadbegunlife；hesaidtohimself，“Isethimupwithaprinting-house，justasIfounditmyself；andhe，knowingathousandtimesmorethanIdid，cannotkeepitgoing。”Hewasmentallyincapableofunderstandinghisson；helaidtheblameoffailureuponhim，andevenpridedhimself，asitwereonhissuperioritytoafargreaterintellectthanhisown，withthethought，“Iamsecuringhisbreadforhim。”
Moralistswillneversucceedinmakinguscomprehendthefullextentoftheinfluenceofsentimentuponself-interest，aninfluenceeverywhitasstrongastheactionofinterestuponoursentiments；foreverylawofournatureworksintwoways，andactsandreactsuponus。
David，onhisside，understoodhisfather，andinhissublimecharityforgavehim。KolbandDavidreachedMarsacateighto’clock，andsuddenlycameinupontheoldmanashewasfinishinghisdinner，which，byforceofcircumstances，cameverynearbedtime。
“Iseeyoubecausethereisnohelpforit。”saidoldSechardwithasoursmile。
“Undhowshouldyouandmeinmastermeet？Hesoarsindershkies，andyouarealwaysmityourvines！Youbayforhim，that’svotyouareafaderfor——“
“Come，Kolb，offwithyou。PutupthehorseatMme。Courtois’soastosaveinconveniencehere；fathersarealwaysintheright，rememberthat。”
Kolbwentoff，growlinglikeachiddendog，obedientbutprotesting；
andDavidproposedtogivehisfatherindisputableproofofhisdiscovery，whilereservinghissecret。Heofferedtogivehimaninterestintheaffairinreturnformoneypaiddown；asufficientsumtoreleasehimfromhispresentdifficulties，withorwithoutafurtheramountofcapitaltobeemployedindevelopingtheinvention。
“Andhowareyougoingtoprovetomethatyoucanmakegoodpaperthatcostsnothingoutofnothing，eh？“askedtheex-printer，givinghissonaglance，vinous，itmaybe，butkeen，inquisitive，andcovetous；alooklikeaflashoflightningfromasoddencloud；fortheold“bear。”faithfultohistraditions，neverwenttobedwithoutanightcap，consistingofacoupleofbottlesofexcellentoldwine，whichhe“tippleddown“ofanevening，tousehisownexpression。
“Nothingsimpler。”saidDavid；“Ihavenoneofthepaperaboutme，forIcameheretobeoutofDoublon’sway；andhavingcomesofar，I
thoughtImightaswellcometoyouatMarsacasborrowofamoney-
lender。Ihavenothingonmebutmyclothes。Shutmeupsomewhereonthepremises，sothatnobodycancomeinandseemeatwork，and——“
“What？youwillnotletmeseeyouatyourworkthen？“askedtheoldman，withanuglylookathisson。
“Youhavegivenmetounderstandplainly，father，thatinmattersofbusinessthereisnoquestionoffatherandson——“
“Ah！youdistrustthefatherthatgaveyoulife！“
“No；theotherfatherwhotookawaythemeansofearningalivelihood。”
“Eachforhimself，youareright！“saidtheoldman。“Verygood，I
willputyouinthecellar。”
“IwillgodowntherewithKolb。Youmustletmehavealargepotformypulp。”saidDavid；thenhecontinued，withoutnoticingthequicklookhisfathergavehim，——“andyoumustfindartichokeandasparagusstalksforme，andnettles，andthereedsthatyoucutbythestreamside，andto-morrowmorningIwillcomeoutofyourcellarwithsomesplendidpaper。”
“Ifyoucandothat。”hiccoughedthe“bear。”“Iwillletyouhave，perhaps——Iwillsee，thatis，ifIcanletyouhave——pshaw！twenty-
fivethousandfrancs。Oncondition，mind，thatyoumakeasmuchformeeveryyear。”
“Putmetotheproof，Iamquitewilling。”criedDavid。“Kolb！takethehorseandgotoMansle，quick，buyalargehairsieveformeofacooper，andsomeglueofthegrocer，andcomebackagainassoonasyoucan。”
“There！drink。”saidoldSechard，puttingdownabottleofwine，aloaf，andthecoldremainsofthedinner。“Youwillneedyourstrength。Iwillgoandlookforyourbitsofgreenstuff；greenragsyouuseforyourpulp，andatrifletoogreen，Iamafraid。”
Twohourslater，towardseleveno’clockthatnight，DavidandKolbtookuptheirquartersinalittleout-houseagainstthecellarwall；
theyfoundthefloorpavedwithrunneltiles，andalltheapparatususedinAngoumoisforthemanufactureofCognacbrandy。
“Pansandfirewood！Why，itisasgoodasafactorymadeonpurpose！“
criedDavid。
“Verywell，good-night。”saidoldSechard；“Ishalllockyouin，andletboththedogsloose；nobodywillbringyouanypaper，Iamsure。
Youshowmethosesheetsto-morrow，andIgiveyoumywordIwillbeyourpartnerandthebusinesswillbestraightforwardandproperlymanaged。”
DavidandKolb，lockedintothedistillery，spentnearlytwohoursinmaceratingthestems，usingacoupleoflogsformallets。Thefireblazedup，thewaterboiled。Abouttwoo’clockinthemorning，KolbheardasoundwhichDavidwastoobusytonotice，akindofdeepbreathlikeasuppressedhiccough。Snatchinguponeofthetwolighteddips，helookedroundthewalls，andbeheldoldSechard’sempurpledcountenancefillingupasquareopeningaboveadoorhithertohiddenbyapileofemptycasksinthecellaritself。ThecunningoldmanhadbroughtDavidandKolbintohisundergrounddistillerybytheouterdoor，throughwhichthecaskswererolledwhenfull。Theinnerdoorhadbeenmadesothathecouldrollhispuncheonsstraightfromthecellarintothedistillery，insteadoftakingthemroundthroughtheyard。
“Aha！theeseiesnotfairblay，youvanttoshvindleyourson！“criedtheAlsacien。“Doyoukowvotyoudovenyoutrinkeinpottleofvine？
Yougifgoottrinktoeinbadscountrel。”
“Oh，father！“criedDavid。
“Icametoseeifyouwantedanything。”saidoldSechard，halfsoberedbythistime。
“Unditwasfordeinderestvotyoutakeinusdotyoubroughtderliddleladder！“commentedKolb，ashepushedthecasksasideandflungopenthedoor；andthere，infact，onashortstep-ladder，theoldmanstoodinhisshirt。
“Riskingyourhealth！“saidDavid。
“IthinkImustbewalkinginmysleep。”saidoldSechard，comingdowninconfusion。“Yourwantofconfidenceinyourfathersetmedreaming；
IdreamedyouweremakingapactwiththeDeviltodoimpossiblethings。”
“Derteufel。”saidKolb；“dotisyourownbassionfordeliddlegoldfinches。”
“Gobacktobedagain，father。”saidDavid；“lockusinifyouwill，butyoumaysaveyourselfthetroubleofcomingdownagain。Kolbwillmountguard。”
Atfouro’clockinthemorningDavidcameoutofthedistillery；hehadbeencarefultoleavenosignofhisoccupationbehindhim；buthebroughtoutsomethirtysheetsofpaperthatleftnothingtobedesiredinfineness，whiteness，toughness，andstrength，allofthembearingbywayofwater-marktheimpressoftheunevenhairsofthesieve。Theoldmantookupthesamplesandputhistonguetothem，thelifelonghabitofthepressman，whotestspapersinthisway。Hefeltitbetweenhisthumbandfinger，crumpledandcreasedit，putitthroughallthetrialsbywhichaprinterassaysthequalityofasamplesubmittedtohim，andwhenitwasfoundwantinginnorespect，hestillwouldnotallowthathewasbeaten。
“Wehaveyettoknowhowittakesanimpression。”hesaid，toavoidpraisinghisson。
“Funnyman！“exclaimedKolb。
Theoldmanwascoolenoughnow。Hecloakedhisfeignedhesitationwithpaternaldignity。
“Iwishtotellyouinfairness，father，thatevennowitseemstomethatpapercostsmorethanitoughttodo；Iwanttosolvetheproblemofsizingitinthepulping-trough。Ihavejustthatoneimprovementtomake。”
“Oho！soyouaretryingtotrickme！“
“Well，shallItellyou？Icansizethepulpasitis，butsofarI
cannotdoitevenly，andthesurfaceisasroughasaburr！“
“Verygood，sizeyourpulpinthetrough，andyoushallhavemymoney。”
“Meinmasterwillneferseedegolorofyourmoney。”declaredKolb。
“Father。”hebegan，“Ihaveneverborneyouanygrudgeformakingoverthebusinesstomeatsuchanexorbitantvaluation；Ihaveseenthefatherthroughitall。Ihavesaidtomyself——’Theoldmanhasworkedveryhard，andhecertainlygavemeabetterbringingupthanIhadarighttoexpect；lethimenjoythefruitsofhistoilinpeace，andinhisownway——Ievengaveupmymother’smoneytoyou。Ibeganencumberedwithdebt，andborealltheburdensthatyouputuponmewithoutamurmur。Well，harassedfordebtsthatwerenotofmymaking，withnobreadinthehouse，andmyfeetheldtotheflames，Ihavefoundoutthesecret。Ihavestruggledonpatientlytillmystrengthisexhausted。Itisperhapsyourdutytohelpme，butdonotgiveMEathought；thinkofawomanandalittleone“Davidcouldnotkeepbackthetearsatthis；“thinkofthem，andgivethemhelpandprotection——
KolbandMarionhavegivenmetheirsavings；willyoudoless？“hecriedatlast，seeingthathisfatherwasascoldastheimpression-
stone。
“Andthatwasnotenoughforyou。”saidtheoldman，withouttheslightestsenseofshame；“why，youwouldwastethewealthoftheIndies！Good-night！Iamtooignoranttolendahandinschemesgotuponpurposetoexploitme。Amonkeywillnevergobbledownabear“
alludingtotheworkshopnicknames；“Iamavinegrower，Iamnotabanker。Andwhatismore，lookyou，businessbetweenfatherandsonneverturnsoutwell。Stayandeatyourdinnerhere；youshan’tsaythatyoucamefornothing。”
Therearesomedeep-heartednaturesthatcanforcetheirownpaindownintoinnerdepthsunsuspectedbythosedearesttothem；andwiththem，whenanguishforcesitswaytothesurfaceandisvisible，itisonlyafteramightyupheaval。David’snaturewasoneofthese。Evehadthoroughlyunderstoodthenoblecharacteroftheman。Butnowthatthedepthshadbeenstirred，David’sfathertookthewaveofanguishthatpassedoverhisson’sfeaturesforachild’strick，anattemptto“getround“hisfather，andhisbittergriefformortificationoverthefailureoftheattempt。Fatherandsonpartedinanger。
DavidandKolbreachedAngoulemeonthestrokeofmidnight。Theycamebackonfoot，andsteathily，likeburglars。Beforeoneo’clockinthemorningDavidwasinstalledintheimpenetrablehiding-placepreparedbyhiswifeinBasineClerget’shouse。Noonesawhimenterit，andthepitythathenceforthshouldshelterDavidwasthemostresourcefulpityofall——thepityofawork-girl。
Kolbbraggedthatdaythathehadsavedhismasteronhorseback，andonlylefthiminacarrier’svanwellonthewaytoLimoges。A
sufficientprovisionofrawmaterialhadbeenlaidupinBasine’scellar，andKolb，Marion，Mme。Sechard，andhermotherhadnocommunicationwiththehouse。
TwodaysafterthesceneatMarsac，oldSechardcamehurryingtoAngoulemeandhisdaughter-in-law。Covetousnesshadbroughthim。Therewerethreeclearweeksaheadbeforethevintagebegan，andhethoughthewouldbeonthelook-outforsqualls，tousehisownexpression。Tothisendhetookuphisquartersinoneoftheatticswhichhehadreservedbythetermsofthelease，wilfullyshuttinghiseyestothebarenessandwantthatmadehisson’shomedesolate。Iftheyowedhimrent，theycouldwellaffordtokeephim。Heatehisfoodfromatinnedironplate，andmadenomarvelatit。“Ibeganinthesameway。”hetoldhisdaughter-in-law，whensheapologizedfortheabsenceofsilverspoons。
Marionwasobligedtorunintodebtfornecessariesforthemall。Kolbwasearningafrancfordailywageasabrick-layer’slaborer；andatlastpoorEve，who，forthesakeofherhusbandandchild，hadsacrificedherlastresourcestoentertainDavid’sfather，sawthatshehadonlytenfrancsleft。Shehadhopedtothelasttosoftentheoldmiser’sheartbyheraffectionaterespect，andpatience，andprettyattentions；butoldSechardwasobdurateasever。Whenshesawhimturnthesamecoldeyesonher，thesamelookthattheCointetshadgivenher，andPetit-ClaudandCerizet，shetriedtowatchandguessoldSechard’sintentions。Troublethrownaway！OldSechard，neversober，neverdrunk，wasinscrutable；intoxicationisadoubleveil。Iftheoldman’stipsinesswassometimesreal，itwasquiteoftenfeignedforthepurposeofextractingDavid’ssecretfromhiswife。Sometimeshecoaxed，sometimeshefrightenedhisdaughter-in-
law。
“Iwilldrinkupmyproperty；IWILLBUYANANNUITY。”hewouldthreatenwhenEvetoldhimthatsheknewnothing。
Thehumiliatingstrugglewaswearingherout；shekeptsilenceatlast，lestsheshouldshowdisrespecttoherhusband’sfather。
“But，father。”shesaidonedaywhendriventoextremity，“thereisaverysimplewayoffindingouteverything。PayDavid’sdebts；hewillcomehome，andyoucansettleitbetweenyou。”
“Ha！thatiswhatyouwanttogetoutofme，isit？“hecried。“Itisaswelltoknow！“
ButifSechardhadnobeliefinhisson，hehadplentyoffaithintheCointets。Hewenttoconsultthem，andtheCointetsdazzledhimofsetpurpose，tellinghimthathisson’sexperimentsmightmeanmillionsoffrancs。
“IfDavidcanprovethathehassucceeded，Ishallnothesitatetogointopartnershipwithhim，andreckonhisdiscoveryashalfthecapital。”thetallCointettoldhim。
Thesuspiciousoldmanlearnedagooddealovernipsofbrandywiththework-people，andsomethingmorebyquestioningPetit-Claudandfeigningstupidity；andatlengthhefeltconvincedthattheCointetsweretherealmoversbehindMetivier；theywereplottingtoruinSechard’sprintingestablishment，andtolurehimSechardontopayhisson’sdebtsbyholdingoutthediscoveryasabait。TheoldmanofthepeopledidnotsuspectthatPetit-Claudwasintheplot，norhadheanyideaofthetoilswoventoensnarethegreatsecret。Adaycameatlastwhenhegrewangryandoutofpatiencewiththedaughter-in-
lawwhowouldnotsomuchastellhimwhereDavidwashiding；hedeterminedtoforcethelaboratorydoor，forhehaddiscoveredthatDavidwaswonttomakehisexperimentsintheworkshopwheretherollersweremelteddown。
Hecamedownstairsveryearlyonemorningandsettoworkuponthelock。
“Hey！PapaSechard，whatareyoudoingthere？“Marioncalledout。Shehadrisenatdaybreaktogotoherpapermill，andnowshesprangacrosstotheworkshop。
“Iaminmyownhouse，amInot？“saidtheoldman，insomeconfusion。
“Oh，indeed，areyouturningthiefinyouroldage？Youarenotdrunkthistimeeither——Ishallgostraighttothemistressandtellher。”
“Holdyourtongue，Marion。”saidSechard，drawingtwocrownsofsixfrancseachfromhispocket。“There——“
“Iwillholdmytongue，butdon’tyoudoitagain。”saidMarion，shakingherfingerathim，“orallAngoulemeshallhearofit。”
Theoldmanhadscarcelygoneout，however，whenMarionwentuptohermistress。
“Look，madame。”shesaid，“Ihavehadtwelvefrancsoutofyourfather-in-law，andheretheyare——“
“Howdidyoudoit？“
“Whatwashewantingtodobuttotakealookatthemaster’spotsandpansandstuff，tofindoutthesecret，forsooth。Iknewquitewellthattherewasnothinginthelittleplace，butIfrightenedhimandtalkedasifheweresettingaboutrobbinghisson，andhegavemetwelvefrancstosaynothingaboutit。”
JustatthatmomentBasinecameinradiant，andwithaletterforherfriend，aletterfromDavidwrittenonmagnificentpaper，whichshehandedoverwhentheywerealone。
“MYADOREDEVE，——Iamwritingtoyouthefirstletteronmyfirstsheetofpapermadebythenewprocess。Ihavesolvedtheproblemofsizingthepulpinthetroughatlast。Apoundofpulpcostsfivesous，evensupposingthattherawmaterialisgrownongoodsoilwithspecialculture；threefrancs’worthofsizedpulpwillmakeareamofpaper，attwelvepoundstotheream。IamquitesurethatIcanlessentheweightofbooksbyone-half。Theenvelope，theletter，andsamplesenclosedareallmanufacturedindifferentways。Ikissyou；youshallhavewealthnowtoaddtoourhappiness，everythingelsewehadbefore。”
“There！“saidEve，handingthesamplestoherfather-in-law，“whenthevintageisoverletyoursonhavethemoney，givehimachancetomakehisfortune，andyoushallberepaidtentimesover；hehassucceededatlast！“
OldSechardhurriedatoncetotheCointets。Everysamplewastestedandminutelyexamined；theprices，fromthreetotenfrancsperream，werenotedoneachseparateslip；someweresized，othersunsized；
somewereofalmostmetallicpurity，otherssoftasJapanesepaper；incolortherewaseverypossibleshadeofwhite。IfoldSechardandthetwoCointetshadbeenJewsexaminingdiamonds，theireyescouldnothaveglistenedmoreeagerly。
“Yoursonisontherighttrack。”thefatCointetsaidatlength。
“Verywell，payhisdebts。”returnedoldSechard。
“Byallmeans，ifhewilltakeusintopartnership。”saidthetallCointet。
“Youareextortioners！“criedoldSechard。“YouhavebeensuinghimunderMetivier’sname，andyoumeanmetobuyyouoff；thatisthelongandtheshortofit。Notsuchafool，gentlemen——“
Thebrotherslookedatoneanother，buttheycontrivedtohidetheirsurpriseattheoldmiser’sshrewdness。
“Wearenotmillionaires。”saidfatCointet；“wedonotdiscountbillsforamusement。Weshouldthinkourselveswelloffifwecouldpayreadymoneyforourbitsofaccountsforrags，andwestillgivebillstoourdealer。”
“Theexperimentoughttobetriedfirstonamuchlargerscale。”thetallCointetsaidcoldly；“sometimesyoutryathingwithasaucepanandsucceed，andfailutterlywhenyouexperimentwithbulk。Youshouldhelpyoursonoutofdifficulties。”
“Yes；butwhenmysonisatliberty，wouldhetakemeashispartner？“
“Thatisnobusinessofours。”saidthefatCointet。“Mygoodman，doyousupposethatwhenyouhavepaidsometenthousandfrancsforyourson，thatthereisanendofit？Itwillcosttwothousandfrancstotakeoutapatent；therewillbejourneystoParis；andbeforegoingtoanyexpense，itwouldbeprudenttodoasmybrothersuggests，andmakeathousandreamsorso；totryseveralwholebatchestomakesure。Yousee，thereisnothingyoumustbesomuchonyourguardagainstasaninventor。”
“Ihavealikingforbreadreadybutteredmyself。”addedthetallCointet。
Allthroughthatnighttheoldmanruminatedoverthisdilemma——“IfI
payDavid’sdebts，hewillbesetatliberty，andoncesetatliberty，heneednotsharehisfortunewithmeunlesshechooses。HeknowsverywellthatIcheatedhimoverthefirstpartnership，andhewillnotcaretotryasecond；soitistomyinteresttokeephimshutup，thewretchedboy。”
TheCointetsknewenoughofSechardseniortoseethattheyshouldhuntincouples。Allthreesaidtothemselves——“Experimentsmustbetriedbeforethediscoverycantakeanypracticalshape。DavidSechardmustbesetatlibertybeforethoseexperimentscanbemade；andDavidSechard，setatliberty，willslipthroughourfingers。”
Everybodyinvolved，moreover，hadhisownlittleafterthought。
Petit-Claud，forinstance，said，“AssoonasIammarried，IwillslipmyneckoutoftheCointets’yoke；buttillthenIshallholdon。”
ThetallCointetthought，“IwouldratherhaveDavidunderlockandkey，andthenIshouldbemasterofthesituation。”
OldSechard，too，thought，“IfIpaymyson’sdebts，hewillrepaymewitha’Thankyou！’“
Eve，hardpressedfortheoldmanthreatenednowtoturnheroutofthehouse，wouldneitherrevealherhusband’shiding-place，norevensendproposalsofasafe-conduct。Shecouldnotfeelsureoffindingsosafearefugeasecondtime。
“Setyoursonatliberty。”shetoldherfather-in-law，“andthenyoushallknoweverything。”
Thefourinterestedpersonssat，asitwere，withabanquetspreadbeforethem，noneofthemdaringtobegin，eachonesuspiciousandwatchfulofhisneighbor。AfewdaysafterDavidwentintohiding，Petit-ClaudwenttothemilltoseethetallCointet。
“Ihavedonemybest。”hesaid；“Davidhasgoneintoprisonofhisownaccordsomewhereorother；heisworkingoutsomeimprovementthereinpeace。Itisnofaultofmineifyouhavenotgainedyourend；areyougoingtokeepyourpromise？“
“Yes，ifwesucceed。”saidthetallCointet。“OldSechardwashereonlyadayortwoago；hecametoaskussomequestionsastopaper-
making。Theoldmiserhasgotwindofhisson’sinvention；hewantstoturnittohisownaccount，sothereissomehopeofapartnership。
Youarewiththefatherandtheson——“
“Bethethirdpersoninthetrinityandgivethemup。”smiledPetit-
Claud。
“Yes。”saidCointet。“WhenyouhaveDavidinprison，orboundtousbyadeedofpartnership，youshallmarryMlle。delaHaye。”
“Isthatyourultimatum？“
“Mysinequanon。”saidCointet，“sincewearespeakinginforeignlanguages。”
“Thenhereismineinplainlanguage。”Petit-Claudsaiddrily。
“Ah！letushaveit。”answeredCointet，withsomecuriosity。
“Youwillpresentmeto-morrowtoMme。deSononches，anddosomethingdefiniteforme；youwillkeepyourword，inshort；orIwillclearoffSechard’sdebtsmyself，sellmypractice，andgointopartnershipwithhim。Iwillnotbeduped。Youhavespokenout，andIamdoingthesame。Ihavegivenproof，givemeproofofyoursincerity。Youhaveall，andIhavenothing。Ifyouwon’tdofairlybyme，Iknowyourcards，andIshallplayformyownhand。”
ThetallCointettookhishatandumbrella，hisfaceatthesametimetakingitsJesuiticalexpression，andouthewent，biddingPetit-Claudcomewithhim。
“Youshallsee，myfriend，whetherIhavepreparedyourwayforyou。”
saidhe。
Theshrewdpaper-manufacturersawhisdangerataglance；andsaw，too，thatwithamanlikePetit-Clauditwasbettertoplayaboveboard。Partlytobepreparedforcontingencies，partlytosatisfyhisconscience，hehaddroppedawordortwotothepointintheearoftheex-consul-general，underthepretextofputtingMlle。delaHaye’sfinancialpositionbeforethatgentleman。
“IhavethemanforFrancoise。”hehadsaid；“forwiththirtythousandfrancsofdot，agirlmustnotexpecttoomuchnowadays。”
“Wewilltalkitoverlateron。”answeredFrancisduHautoy，ex-
consul-general。“Mme。deSenonches’positonhasalteredverymuchsinceMme。deBargetonwentaway；weverylikelymightmarryFrancoisetosomeelderlycountrygentleman。”
“Shewoulddisgraceherselfifyoudid。”Cointetreturnedinhisdryway。“Bettermarryhertosomecapable，ambitiousyoungman；youcouldhelphimwithyourinfluence，andhewouldmakeagoodpositionforhiswife。”
“Weshallsee。”saidFrancisduHautoy；“hergodmotheroughttobeconsultedfirst，inanycase。”
WhenM。deBargetondied，hiswifesoldthegreathouseintheRueduMinage。Mme。deSenonches，findingherownhousescarcelylargeenough，persuadedM。deSenonchestobuytheHoteldeBargeton，thecradleofLucienChardon’sambitions，thesceneoftheearliesteventsinhiscareer。ZephirinedeSenoncheshaditinmindtosucceedtoMme。deBargeton；she，too，wouldbeakindofqueeninAngouleme；shewouldhave“asalon。”andbeagreatlady，inshort。TherewasaschisminAngouleme，astrifedatingfromthelateM。deBargeton’sduelwithM。deChandour。SomemaintainedthatLouisedeNegrepelissewasblameless，othersbelievedinStanislasdeChandour’sscandals。
Mme。deSenonchesdeclaredfortheBargetons，andbeganbywinningoverthatfaction。ManyfrequentersoftheHoteldeBargetonhadbeensoaccustomedforyearstotheirnightlygameofcardsinthehousethattheycouldnotleaveit，andMme。deSenonchesturnedthisfacttoaccount。Shereceivedeveryevening，andcertainlygainedallthegroundlostbyAmeliedeChandour，whosetupforarival。
FrancisduHautoy，livingintheinmostcircleofnobilityinAngouleme，wentsofarastothinkofmarryingFrancoisetooldM。deSeverac，Mme。duBrossardhavingtotallyfailedtocapturethatgentlemanforherdaughter；andwhenMme。deBargetonreappearedastheprefect’swife，Zephirine’shopesforherdeargoddaughterwaxedhigh，indeed。TheComtesseduChatelet，sosheargued，wouldbesuretouseherinfluenceforherchampion。
BonifaceCointethadAngoulemeathisfingers’ends；hesawallthedifficultiesataglance，andresolvedtosweepthemoutofthewaybyaboldstrokethatonlyaTartuffe’sbraincouldinvent。Thepunylawyerwasnotalittleamusedtofindhisfellow-conspiratorkeepinghiswordwithhim；notaworddidPetit-Claudutter；herespectedthemusingsofhiscompanion，andtheywalkedthewholewayfromthepaper-milltotheRueduMinageinsilence。
“Monsieurandmadameareatbreakfast“——thisannouncementmettheill-
timedvisitorsonthesteps。
“Takeinournames，allthesame。”saidthetallCointet；andfeelingsureofhisposition，hefollowedimmediatelybehindtheservantandintroducedhiscompaniontotheelaborately-affectedZephirine，whowasbreakfastingincompanywithM。FrancisduHautoyandMlle。delaHaye。M。deSenoncheshadgone，asusual，foraday’sshootingoverM。
dePimentel’sland。
“M。Petit-ClaudistheyounglawyerofwhomIspoketoyou，madame；hewillgothroughthetrustaccountswhenyourfairwardcomesofage。”
Theex-diplomatistmadeaquickscrutinyofPetit-Claud，who，forhispart，waslookingfurtivelyatthe“fairward。”AsforZephirine，whoheardofthematterforthefirsttime，hersurprisewassogreatthatshedroppedherfork。
Mlle。delaHaye，ashrewishyoungwomanwithanill-temperedface，awaistthatcouldscarcelybecalledslender，athinfigure，andcolorless，fairhair，inspiteofacertainlittleairthatshehad，wasbynomeanseasytomarry。The“parentageunknown“onherbirthcertificatewastherealbartoherentranceintothespherewherehergodmother’saffectionstovetoestablishher。Mlle。delaHaye，ignorantofherrealposition，wasveryhardtoplease；therichestmerchantinL’Houmeauhadfoundnofavorinhersight。Cointetsawthesufficientlysignificantexpressionoftheyounglady’sfaceatthesightofthelittlelawyer，andturning，beheldapreciselysimilargrimaceonPetit-Claud’scountenance。Mme。deSenonchesandFrancislookedateachother，asifinsearchofanexcuseforgettingridofthevisitors。AllthisCointetsaw。HeaskedM。duHautoyforthefavorofafewminutes’speechwithhim，andthepairwenttogetherintothedrawing-room。
“Fatherlyaffectionisblindingyou，sir。”hesaidbluntly。“Youwillnotfinditaneasythingtomarryyourdaughter；and，actinginyourinterestthroughout，Ihaveputyouinapositionfromwhichyoucannotdrawback；forIamfondofFrancoise，sheismyward。Now——
Petit-ClaudknowsEVERYTHING！Hisoverweeningambitionisaguaranteeforourdearchild’shappiness；for，inthefirstplace，Francoisewilldoasshelikeswithherhusband；and，inthesecond，hewantsyourinfluence。Youcanaskthenewprefectforthepostofcrownattorneyforhiminthecourthere。M。MilaudisdefinitelyappointedtoNevers，Petit-Claudwillsellhispractice，youwillhavenodifficultyinobtainingadeputypublicprosecutor’splaceforhim；
anditwillnotbelongbeforehebecomesattorneyforthecrown，presidentofthecourt，deputy，whatyouwill。”
Franciswentbacktothedining-roomandbehavedcharminglytohisdaughter’ssuitor。HegaveMme。deSenonchesalook，andbroughtthescenetoaclosewithaninvitationtodinewiththemonthemorrow；
Petit-Claudmustcomeanddiscussthebusinessinhand。Heevenwentdownstairsandasfarasthecornerwiththevisitors，tellingPetit-
ClaudthatafterCointet’srecommendation，bothheandMme。deSenonchesweredisposedtoapproveallthatMlle。delaHaye’strusteehadarrangedforthewelfareofthatlittleangel。
“Oh！“criedPetit-Claud，astheycameaway，“whataplaingirl！Ihavebeentakenin——“
“Shelooksalady-likegirl。”returnedCointet，“andbesides，ifshewereabeauty，wouldtheygivehertoyou？Eh！mydearfellow，thirtythousandfrancsandtheinfluenceofMme。deSenonchesandtheComtesseduChatelet！Manyasmalllandownerwouldbewonderfullygladofthechance，andallthemoresosinceM。FrancisduHautoyisneverlikelytomarry，andallthathehaswillgotothegirl。Yourmarriageisasgoodassettled。”
“How？“
“ThatiswhatIamjustgoingtotellyou。”returnedCointet，andhegavehiscompanionanaccountofhisrecentboldstroke。“M。MilaudisjustabouttobeappointedattorneyforthecrownatNevers，mydearfellow。”hecontinued；“sellyourpractice，andintenyears’timeyouwillbeKeeperoftheSeals。YouarenotthekindofamantodrawbackfromanyservicerequiredofyoubytheCourt。”
“Verywell。”saidPetit-Claud，hiszealstirredbytheprospectofsuchacareer，“verywell，beinthePlaceduMurierto-morrowathalf-pastfour；IwillseeoldSechardinthemeantime；wewillhaveadeedofpartnershipdrawnup，andthefatherandthesonshallbeboundthereby，anddeliveredtothethirdpersonofthetrinity——
Cointet，towit。”
ToreturntoLucieninParis。Onthemorrowofthelossannouncedinhisletter，heobtainedavisaforhispassport，boughtastouthollystick，andwenttotheRued’Enfertotakeaplaceinthelittlemarketvan，whichtookhimasfarasLongjumeauforhalfafranc。HewasgoinghometoAngouleme。Attheendofthefirstday’stramphesleptinacowshed，twoleaguesfromArpajon。HehadcomenofartherthanOrleansbeforehewasveryweary，andalmostreadytobreakdown，buttherehefoundaboatmanwillingtobringhimasfarasToursforthreefrancs，andfoodduringthejourneycosthimbutfortysous。
FivedaysofwalkingbroughthimfromTourstoPoitiers，andlefthimwithbutfivefrancsinhispockets，buthesummonedupallhisremainingstrengthforthejourneybeforehim。
Hewasovertakenbynightintheopencountry，andhadmadeuphismindtosleepoutofdoors，whenatravelingcarriagepassedby，slowlyclimbingthehillside，and，allunknowntothepostilion，theoccupants，andtheservant，hemanagedtoslipinamongtheluggage，crouchinginbetweentwotrunkslestheshouldbeshakenoffbythejoltingofthecarriage——andsoheslept。
Heawokewiththesunshiningintohiseyes，andthesoundofvoicesinhisears。Thecarriagehadcometoastandstill。Lookingabouthim，heknewthathewasatMansle，thelittletownwherehehadwaitedforMme。deBargetoneighteenmonthsbefore，whenhisheartwasfullofhopeandloveandjoy。Agroupofpost-boyseyedhimcuriouslyandsuspiciously，coveredwithdustashewas，wedgedinamongtheluggage。Lucienjumpeddown，butbeforehecouldspeaktwotravelerssteppedoutofthecaleche，andthewordsdiedawayonhislips；fortherestoodthenewPrefectoftheCharente，SixteduChatelet，andhiswife，LouisedeNegrepelisse。
“Chancegaveusatraveling-companion，ifwehadbutknown！“saidtheCountess。“Comeinwithus，monsieur。”
Luciengavethecoupleadistantbowandahalf-humbledhalf-defiantglance；thenheturnedawayintoacross-countryroadinsearchofsomefarmhouse，wherehemightmakeabreakfastonmilkandbread，andrestawhile，andthinkquietlyoverthefuture。Hestillhadthreefrancsleft。Onandonhewalkedwiththehurryingpaceoffever，noticingashewent，downbytheriverside，thatthecountrygrewmoreandmorepicturesque。Itwasnearmid-daywhenhecameuponasheetofwaterwithwillowsgrowingaboutthemargin，andstoppedforawhiletoresthiseyesonthecool，thick-growingleaves；andsomethingofthegraceofthefieldsenteredintohissoul。
Inamongthecrestsofthewillows，hecaughtaglimpseofamillnear-byonabranchstream，andofthethatchedroofofthemill-housewherethehouse-leeksweregrowing。Forallornament，thequaintcottagewascoveredwithjessamineandhoneysuckleandclimbinghops，andthegardenaboutitwasgaywithphloxesandtall，juicy-leavedplants。Netslaydryinginthesunalongapavedcausewayraisedabovethehighestfloodlevel，andsecuredbymassivepiles。Duckswereswimmingintheclearmill-pondbelowthecurrentsofwaterroaringoverthewheel。Asthepoetcamenearerheheardtheclackofthemill，andsawthegood-natured，homelywomanofthehouseknittingonagardenbench，andkeepinganeyeuponalittleonewhowaschasingthehensabout。
Luciencameforward。“Mygoodwoman。”hesaid，“Iamtiredout；Ihaveafeveronme，andIhaveonlythreefrancs；willyouundertaketogivemebrownbreadandmilk，andletmesleepinthebarnforaweek？
Ishallhavetimetowritetomypeople，andtheywilleithercometofetchmeorsendmemoney。”
“Iamquitewilling，alwayssupposingthatmyhusbandhasnoobjection——Hey！littleman！“
Themillercameup，gaveLucienalookover，andtookhispipeoutofhismouthtoremark，“Threefrancsforaweeksboard？Youmightaswellpaynothingatall。”
“PerhapsIshallendasamiller’sman。”thoughtthepoet，ashiseyeswanderedoverthelovelycountry。Thenthemiller’swifemadeabedreadyforhim，andLucienlaydownandsleptsolongthathishostesswasfrightened。
“Courtois。”shesaid，nextdayatnoon，“justgoinandseewhetherthatyoungmanisdeadoralive；hehasbeenlyingtherethesefourteenhours。”
Themillerwasbusyspreadingouthisfishing-netsandlines。“Itismybelief。”hesaid，“thattheprettyfellowyonderissomestarvelingplay-actorwithoutabrassfarthingtoblesshimselfwith。”
“Whatmakesyouthinkthat，littleman？“askedthemistressofthemill。
“Lord，heisnotaprince，noralord，noramemberofparliament，norabishop；whyarehishandsaswhiteasifhedidnothing？“
“Thenitisverystrangethathedoesnotfeelhungryandwakeup。”
retortedthemiller’swife；shehadjustpreparedbreakfastforyesterday’schanceguest。“Aplay-actor，ishe？“shecontinued。“Wherewillhebegoing？ItistooearlyyetforthefairatAngouleme。”
Butneitherthemillernorhiswifesuspectedthatactors，princes，andbishopsapartthereisakindofbeingwhoisbothprinceandactor，andinvestedbesideswithamagnificentorderofpriesthood——
thatthePoetseemstodonothing，yetreignsoverallhumanitywhenhecanpainthumanity。
“Whatcanhebe？“Courtoisaskedofhiswife。
“Supposeitshouldbedangeroustotakehimin？“queriedshe。
“Pooh！thieveslookmorealivethanthat；weshouldhavebeenrobbedbythistime。”returnedherspouse。
“Iamneitheraprincenorathief，norabishopnoranactor。”Luciensaidwearily；hemusthaveoverheardthecolloquythroughthewindow，andnowhesuddenlyappeared。“Iampoor，Iamtiredout，IhavecomeonfootfromParis。MynameisLuciendeRubempre，andmyfatherwasM。Chardon，whousedtohavePostel’sbusinessinL’Houmeau。MysistermarriedDavidSechard，theprinterinthePlaceduMurieratAngouleme。”
“Stopabit。”saidthemiller，“thatprinteristhesonoftheoldskinflintwhofarmshisownlandatMarsac，isn’the？“
“Theverysame。”saidLucien。
“Heisaqueerkindoffather，heis！“Courtoiscontinued。“Heisworthtwohundredthousandfrancsandmore，withoutcountinghismoney-box，andhehassoldhissonup，theysay。”
Whenbodyandsoulhavebeenbrokenbyaprolongedpainfulstruggle，therecomesacrisiswhenastrongnaturebracesitselfforgreatereffort；butthosewhogivewayunderthestraineitherdieorsinkintounconsciousnesslikedeath。ThathourofcrisishadstruckforLucien；atthevaguerumorofthecatastrophethathadbefallenDavidheseemedalmostreadytosuccumb。“Oh！mysister！“hecried。“Oh，God！whathaveIdone？BasewretchthatIam！“
Hedroppeddownonthewoodenbench，lookingwhiteandpowerlessasadyingman；themiller’swifebroughtoutabowlofmilkandmadehimdrink，buthebeggedthemillertohelphimbacktohisbed，andaskedtobeforgivenforbringingadyingmanintotheirhouse。Hethoughthislasthourhadcome。Withtheshadowofdeath，thoughtsofreligioncrossedabrainsoquicktoconceivepicturesquefancies；hewouldseethecure，hewouldconfessandreceivethelastsacraments。Themoan，utteredinthefaintvoicebyayoungmanwithsuchacomelyfaceandfigure，wenttoMme。Courtois’heart。
“Isay，littleman，justtakethehorseandgotoMarsacandaskDr。
Marrontocomeandseethisyoungman；heisinaverybadway，itseemstome，andyoumightbringthecureaswell。PerhapstheymayknowmoreaboutthatprinterinthePlaceduMurierthanyoudo，forPostelmarriedM。Marron’sdaughter。”
Courtoisdeparted。Themiller’swifetriedtomakeLucientakefood；
likeallcountry-bredfolk，shewasfulloftheideathatsickfolkmustbemadetoeat。Hetooknonoticeofher，butgavewaytoaviolentstormofremorsefulgrief，akindofmentalprocessofcounter-irritation，whichrelievedhim。
TheCourtois’millliesaleagueawayfromMarsac，thetownofthedistrict，andthehalf-waybetweenMansleandAngouleme；soitwasnotlongbeforethegoodmillercamebackwiththedoctorandthecure。
BothfunctionarieshadheardrumorscouplingLucien’snamewiththenameofMme。deBargeton；andnowwhenthewholedepartmentwastalkingofthelady’smarriagetothenewPrefectandherreturntoAngoulemeastheComtesseduChatelet，bothcureanddoctorwereconsumedwithaviolentcuriositytoknowwhyM。deBargeton’swidowhadnotmarriedtheyoungpoetwithwhomshehadleftAngouleme。Andwhentheyheard，furthermore，thatLucienwasatthemill，theywereeagertoknowwhetherthepoethadcometotherescueofhisbrother-
in-law。Curiosityandhumanityalikepromptedthemtogoatoncetothedyingman。TwohoursafterCourtoissetout，Lucienheardtherattleofoldironoverthestonycauseway，thecountrydoctor’sramshacklechaisecameuptothedoor，andoutsteppedMM。Marron，forthecurewasthedoctor’suncle。Lucien’sbedsidevisitorswereasintimatewithDavid’sfatherascountryneighborsusuallyareinasmallvine-growingtownship。Thedoctorlookedatthedyingman，felthispulse，andexaminedhistongue；thenhelookedatthemiller’swife，andsmiledreassuringly。
“Mme。Courtois。”saidhe，“if，asIdonotdoubt，youhaveabottleofgoodwinesomewhereinthecellar，andafateelinyourfish-pond，putthembeforeyourpatient，itisonlyexhaustion；thereisnothingthematterwithhim。Ourgreatmanwillbeonhisfeetagaindirectly。”
“Ah！monsieur。”saidLucien，“itisnotthebody，itisthemindthatails。Thesegoodpeoplehavetoldmetidingsthatnearlykilledme；I
havejustheardthebadnewsofmysister，Mme。Sechard。Mme。CourtoissaysthatyourdaughterismarriedtoPostel，monsieur，soyoumustknowsomethingofDavidSechard’saffairs；oh，forheaven’ssake，monsieur，tellmewhatyouknow！“
“Why，hemustbeinprison。”beganthedoctor；“hisfatherwouldnothelphim——“
“INPRISON！“repeatedLucien，“andwhy？“
“BecausesomebillscamefromParis；hehadoverlookedthem，nodoubt，forhedoesnotpaymuchattentiontohisbusiness，theysay。”saidDr。Marron。
“PrayleavemewithM。leCure。”saidthepoet，withavisiblechangeofcountenance。Thedoctorandthemillerandhiswifewentoutoftheroom，andLucienwasleftalonewiththeoldpriest。
“Sir。”hesaid，“Ifeelthatdeathisnear，andIdeservetodie。Iamaverymiserablewretch；Icanonlycastmyselfintothearmsofreligion。I，sir，_I_havebroughtallthesetroublesonmysisterandbrother，forDavidSechardhasbeenabrothertome。IdrewthosebillsthatDavidcouldnotmeet！……Ihaveruinedhim。Inmyterriblemisery，Iforgotthecrime。Amillionaireputanendtotheproceedings，andIquitebelievedthathehadmetthebills；butnothingofthekindhasbeendone，itseems。”AndLucientoldthetaleofhissorrows。Thestory，ashetolditinhisfeverishexcitement，wasworthyofthepoet。HebesoughtthecuretogotoAngoulemeandtoaskfornewsofEveandhismother，Mme。Chardon，andtolethimknowthetruth，andwhetheritwasstillpossibletorepairtheevil。
“Ishalllivetillyoucomeback，sir。”headded，asthehottearsfell。“Ifmymother，andsister，andDaviddonotcastmeoff，Ishallnotdie。”
Lucien’sremorsewasterribletosee，thetears，theeloquence，theyoungwhitefacewiththeheartbroken，despairinglook，thetalesofsorrowuponsorrowtillhumanstrengthcouldnomoreendure，allthesethingsarousedthecure’spityandinterest。
“Intheprovinces，asinParis。”hesaid，“youmustbelieveonlyhalfofallthatyouhear。Donotalarmyourself；apieceofhearsay，threeleaguesawayfromAngouleme，issuretobefarfromthetruth。OldSechard，ourneighbor，leftMarsacsomedaysago；verylikelyheisbusysettlinghisson’sdifficulties。IamgoingtoAngouleme；Iwillcomebackandtellyouwhetheryoucanreturnhome；yourconfessionsandrepentancewillhelptopleadyourcause。”
ThecuredidnotknowthatLucienhadrepentedsomanytimesduringthelasteighteenmonths，thatpenitence，howeverimpassioned，hadcometobeakindofdramawithhim，playedtoperfection，playedsofarinallgoodfaith，butnonethelessadrama。Tothecuresucceededthedoctor。Hesawthatthepatientwaspassingthroughanervouscrisis，andthedangerwasbeginningtosubside。Thedoctor-
nephewspokeascomfortablyasthecure-uncle，andatlengththepatientwaspersuadedtotakenourishment。
Meanwhilethecure，knowingthemannersandcustomsofthecountryside，hadgonetoMansle；thecoachfromRuffectoAngoulemewasduetopassaboutthattime，andhefoundavacantplaceinit。Hewouldgotohisgrand-nephewPostelinL’HoumeauDavid’sformerrivalandmakeinquiriesofhim。FromtheassiduitywithwhichthelittledruggistassistedhisvenerablerelativetoalightfromtheabominablecagewhichdiddutyasacoachbetweenRuffecandAngouleme，itwasapparenttothemeanestunderstandingthatM。andMme。Postelfoundedtheirhopesoffutureeaseupontheoldcure’swill。
“Haveyoubreakfasted？Willyoutakesomething？Wedidnotintheleastexpectyou！Thisisapleasantsurprise！“Outcamequestionsinnumerableinabreath。
Mme。PostelmighthavebeenborntobethewifeofanapothecaryinL’Houmeau。Shewasacommon-lookingwoman，aboutthesameheightaslittlePostelhimself，suchgoodlooksasshepossessedbeingentirelyduetoyouthandhealth。Herfloridauburnhairgrewverylowuponherforehead。Herdemeanorandlanguagewereinkeepingwithhomelyfeatures，aroundcountenance，theredcheeksofacountrydamsel，andeyesthatmightalmostbedescribedasyellow。Everythingabouthersaidplainlyenoughthatshehadbeenmarriedforexpectationsofmoney。Afterayearofmarriedlife，therefore，sheruledthehouse；
andPostel，onlytoohappytohavediscoveredtheheiress，meeklysubmittedtohiswife。Mme。LeoniePostel，neeMarron，wasnursingherfirstchild，thedarlingoftheoldcure，thedoctor，andPostel，arepulsiveinfant，withastronglikenesstobothparents。
“Well，uncle。”saidLeonie，“whathasbroughtyoutoAngouleme，sinceyouwillnottakeanything，andnosoonercomeinthanyoutalkofgoing？“