cared nothing,
merely because through them he got an insight into Alphonse's expensive
mode of life and rash prodigality. He sought the same cafes and
restaurants as Alphonse, but at different times; he even had his clothes
made by the same tailor, because the talkative little man entertained
him with complaints that Monsieur Alphonse never paid his bills.

Charles often thought how easy it would be to buy up a part of
Alphonse's liabilities and let them fall into the hands of a grasping
usurer. But it would be a great injustice to suppose that Charles for a
moment contemplated doing such a thing himself. It was only an idea he
was fond of dwelling upon; he was, as it were, in love with Alphonse's
debts.

But things went slowly, and Charles became pale and sallow while he
watched and waited.

He was longing for the time when the people who had always looked down
upon him should have their eyes opened, and see how little the brilliant
and idolized Alphonse was really fit for. He wanted to see him humbled,
abandoned by his friends, lonely and poor; and then--!

Beyond that he really did not like to speculate; for at this point
feelings stirred within him which he would not acknowledge.

He _would_ hate his former friend; he _would_ have revenge for all the
coldness and neglect which had been his own lot in life; and every time
the least thought in defence of Alphonse arose in his mind he pushed it
aside, and said, like the old banker: "Sentiment won't do for a business
man."

One day he went to his tailor's; he bought more clothes in these days
than he absolutely needed.

The nimble little man at once ran to meet him with a roll of cloth:
"See, here is the very stuff for you. Monsieur Alphonse has had a whole
suit made of it, and Monsieur Alphonse is a gentleman who knows how to
dress."

"I did not think that Monsieur Alphonse was one of your favorite
customers," said Charles, rather taken by surprise.

"Oh, _mon Dieu_!" exclaimed the little tailor, "you mean because I have
once or twice mentioned that Monsieur Alphonse owed me a few thousand
francs. It was very stupid of me to speak so. Monsieur Alphonse has
not only paid me the trifle he was owing, but I know that he has
also satisfied a number of other creditors. I have done _ce cher beau
monsieur_ great injustice, and I beg you never to give him a hint of my
stupidity."

Charles was no longer listening to the chatter of the garrulous tailor.
He soon lef