n much need of character. One ought, if possible, to have
both girdle and character, and that is my object when I give myself
importance by what you describe as vile arts, and poor unworthy
tricks. I give my lesson and I give it well; behold the general
rule. I make them think I have more lessons to give than the day
has hours; behold the idiom.

_I._--And the lesson; you do give it well?

_He._--Yes, not ill; passably. The thorough bass of the dear master
has simplified all that. In old days I used to steal my pupil's
money. Yes, I stole it, that is certain; now I earn it, at least
like my neighbours.

_I._--And did you steal it without remorse?

_He._--Oh, without remorse. They say that if one thief pilfers from
another, the devil laughs. The parents were bursting with a
fortune, which had been got the Lord knows how. They were people
about the court, financiers, great merchants, bankers. I helped to
make them disgorge, I and the rest of the people they employed. In
nature, all species devour one another; so all ranks devour one
another in society. We do justice on one another, without any
meddling from the law. The other day it was Deschamps, now it is
Guimard, who avenges the prince of the financier; and it is the
milliner, the jeweller, the upholsterer, the hosier, the draper,
the lady's-maid, the cook, the saddler, who avenge the financier of
Deschamps. In the midst of it all, there is only the imbecile or
the sloth who suffers injury without inflicting it. Whence you see
that these exceptions to the general conscience, or these moral
idioms about which they make such a stir, are nothing, after all,
and that you only need to take a clear survey of the whole.

_I._--I admire yours.

_He._--And then misery! The voice of conscience and of honour is
terribly weak, when the stomach calls out. Enough to say that if
ever I grow rich I shall be bound to restore, and I have made up my
mind to restore in every possible fashion, by eating, drinking,
gambling, and whatever else you please.

_I._--I have some fears about your ever growing rich.

_He._--I have suspicions myself.

_I._--But if things should fall so, what then?

_He._--I would do like all other beggars set on horseback: I would
be the most insolent ruffler that has