have any serious conversation
with him, he preferred to invite him to his modest table, to partake
more or less hastily of an egg, a cutlet, and a cup of coffee.

Mathieu wished to ask the doctor's advice on a grave subject. After a
couple of weeks' reflection, his idea of experimenting in agriculture,
of extricating that unappreciated estate of Chantebled from chaos,
preoccupied him to such a degree that he positively suffered at not
daring to come to a decision. The imperious desire to create, to produce
life, health, strength, and wealth grew within him day by day. Yet
what fine courage and what a fund of hope he needed to venture upon an
enterprise which outwardly seemed so wild and rash, and the wisdom of
which was apparent to himself alone. With whom could he discuss such
a matter, to whom could he confide his doubts and hesitation? When the
idea of consulting Boutan occurred to him, he at once asked the doctor
for an appointment. Here was such a confidant as he desired, a man
of broad, brave mind, one who worshipped life, who was endowed with
far-seeing intelligence, and who would therefore at once look beyond the
first difficulties of execution.

As soon as they were face to face on either side of the table, Mathieu
began to pour forth his confession, recounting his dream--his poem, as
he called it. And the doctor listened without interrupting, evidently
won over by the young man's growing, creative emotion. When at last
Boutan had to express an opinion he replied: "_Mon Dieu_, my friend, I
can tell you nothing from a practical point of view, for I have never
even planted a lettuce. I will even add that your project seems to me
so hazardous that any one versed in these matters whom you might consult
would assuredly bring forward substantial and convincing arguments to
dissuade you. But you speak of this affair with such superb confidence
and ardor and affection, that I feel convinced you would succeed.
Moreover, you flatter my own views, for I have long endeavored to show
that, if numerous families are ever to flourish again in France, people
must again love and worship the soil, and desert the towns, and lead a
fruitful fortifying country life. So how can I disapprove your plans?
Moreover, I suspect that, like all people who ask advice, you simply
came here in the hope that you would find in me a brother ready, in
principle at all events, to wage the same battle."

At this they both laughed heartily. Then, o