not had inaugurated
Cephalic Oil.

When Molineux, appointed agent by the Court of Commerce, came to take
possession of Cesar Birotteau's assets, Madame Birotteau, aided
by Celestin, went over the inventory with him. Then the mother and
daughter, plainly dressed, left the house on foot and went to their
uncle Pillerault's, without once turning their heads to look at the home
where they had passed the greater part of their lives. They walked in
silence to the Rue des Bourdonnais, where they were to dine with Cesar
for the first time since their separation. It was a sad dinner. Each
had had time for reflection,--time to weigh the duties before them, and
sound the depths of their courage. All three were like sailors ready
to face foul weather, but not deceived as to their danger. Birotteau
gathered courage as he was told of the interest people in high places
had taken in finding employment for him, but he wept when he heard what
his daughter was to become. Then he held out his hand to his wife, as he
saw the courage with which she had returned to labor. Old Pillerault's
eyes were wet, for the last time in his life, as he looked at these
three beings folded together in one embrace; from the centre of which
Birotteau, feeblest of the three and the most stricken, raised his
hands, saying:--

"Let us have hope!"

"You shall live with me," said Pillerault, "for the sake of economy; you
shall have my chamber, and share my bread. I have long been lonely; you
shall replace the poor child I lost. From my house it is but a step to
your office in the Rue de l'Oratoire."

"God of mercy!" exclaimed Birotteau; "in the worst of a storm a star
guides me."

Resignation is the last stage of man's misfortune. From this moment
Cesar's downfall was accomplished; he accepted it, and strength returned
to him.

VI

After admitting his insolvency and filing his schedule, a merchant
should find some retired spot in France, or in foreign countries, where
he may live without taking part in life, like the child that he is; for
the law declares him a minor, and not competent for any legal action as
a citizen. This, however, is never done. Before reappearing he obtains a
safe-conduct, which neither judge nor creditor ever refuses to give; for
if the debtor were found without this _exeat_ he would be put in prison,
while with it he passes safely, as with a flag of truce, through the
enemy's camp,--not by way of curiosity, but for the purpo