im such recognition.

The experience was so strange to him that it seemed like an injustice to
his friend. He told Alphonse nothing of the occurrence; on the contrary,
he proposed that they should apply for two vacant places in the Credit
Lyonnais.

Alphonse was quite willing, for he loved change, and the splendid
new banking establishment on the, Boulevard seemed to him far more
attractive than the dark offices in the Rue Bergere. So they removed to
the Credit Lyonnais on the first of May. But as they were in the chief's
office taking their leave, the old banker said to Charles, when Alphonse
had gone out (Alphonse always took precedence of Charles), "Sentiment
won't do for a business man."

From that day forward a change went on in Charles. He not only worked as
industriously and conscientiously as before, but developed such energy
and such an amazing faculty for labor as soon attracted to him the
attention of his superiors. That he was far ahead of his friend in
business capacity was soon manifest; but every time he received a new
mark of recognition he had a struggle with himself. For a long time,
every advancement brought with it a certain qualm of conscience; and yet
he worked on with restless ardor.

One day Alphonse said, in his light, frank way: "You are really a smart
fellow, Charlie! You're getting ahead of everybody, young and old--not
to mention me. I'm quite proud of you!"

Charles felt ashamed. He had been thinking that Alphonse must feel
wounded at being left on one side, and now he learned that his friend
not only did not grudge him his advancement, but was even proud of him.
By degrees his conscience was lulled to rest, and his solid worth was
more and more appreciated--

But if he was in reality the more capable, how came it that he was
so entirely ignored in society, while Alphonse remained everybody's
darling? The very promotions and marks of appreciation which he had won
for himself by hard work, were accorded him in a dry, business manner;
while every one, from the directors to the messengers, had a friendly
word or a merry greeting for Alphonse.

In the different offices and departments of the bank they intrigued
to obtain possession of Monsieur Alphonse; for a breath of life and
freshness followed ever in the wake of his handsome person and joyous
nature. Charles, on the other hand, had often remarked that his
colleagues regarded him as a dry person, who thought only of business
and of