re concealing themselves? Who discovered
the Vantrassons for me? Victor Chupin. Very well. Then allow me to say
that I see nothing in this case in any way differing from the others,
nor can I understand why this should be wrong, if the others were not."

Chupin could only have answered this remark by saying that there had
been no mystery about the previous affairs, that they had not been
proposed to him late at night at his own home, and that he had acted
openly, as a person who represents a creditor has a recognized right
to act. But, though he felt that there WAS a difference in the present
case, it would have been very difficult for him to explain in what this
difference consisted. Hence, in his most resolute tone: "I'm only a
fool, m'sieur," he declared; "but I shall know how to make amends for my
folly."

"That means you have recovered your senses," said M. Fortunat,
ironically. "Really, that's fortunate. But let me give you one bit
of advice: watch yourself, and learn to bridle your tongue. You won't
always find me in such a good humor as I am this evening."

So saying, he rose, passed out into the adjoining room, bowed civilly
to his clerk's mother, and went off. His last words, as he crossed the
threshold, were, "So I shall rely upon you. Be at the office to-morrow a
little before noon."

"It's agreed m'sieur."

The blind woman had risen, and had bowed respectfully; but, as soon as
she was alone with her son, she asked: "What is this business he bids
you undertake in such a high and mighty tone?"

"Oh! an every-day matter, mother."

The old woman shook her head. "Why were you talking so loud then?" she
inquired. "Weren't you quarrelling? It must be something very grave when
it's necessary to conceal it from me. I couldn't see your employer's
face, my son; but I heard his voice, and it didn't please me. It isn't
the voice of an honest, straightforward man. Take care, Toto, and don't
allow yourself to be cajoled--be prudent."

However, it was quite unnecessary to recommend prudence to Victor
Chupin. He had promised his assistance, but not without a mental
reservation. "No need to see danger till it comes," he had said to
himself. "If the thing proves to be of questionable propriety after all,
then good-evening; I desert."

It remains to know what he meant by questionable propriety; the meaning
of the expression is rather vague. He had returned in all honesty and
sincerity of purpose to an honest life, a