ne, and the bomb-shell bursts. Does it follow from
this that a man is dishonest? Not the least in the world: he is
simply unlucky."

He stopped, as if awaiting an answer; but, as none came, he resumed,

"I repeat, I have no fault to find with Favoral. Only then, now,
between us, to lose these hundred and twenty thousand francs would
simply be a disaster for me. I know very well that both Chapelain
and Desormeaux had also deposited funds with Favoral. But they are
rich: one of them owns three houses in Paris, and the other has a
good situation; whereas I, these hundred and twenty thousand francs
gone, I'd have nothing left but my eyes to weep with. My wife is
dying about it. I assure you our position is a terrible one."

To M. Desclavettes,--as to the baker a few moments before,

"We have nothing," said Maxence.

"I know it," exclaimed the old merchant. "I know it as well as you
do yourself. And so I have come to beg a little favor of you, which
will cost you nothing. When you see Favoral, remember me to him,
explain my situation to him, and try to make him give me back my
money. He is a hard one to fetch, that's a fact. But if you go
right about it, above all, if our dear Gilberte will take the matter
in hand."

"Sir!"

"Oh! I swear I sha'n't say a word about it, either to Desormeaux
or Chapelain, nor to any one else. Although reimbursed, I'll make
as much noise as the rest,--more noise, even. Come, now, my dear
friends, what do you say?"

He was almost crying.

"And where the deuse," exclaimed Maxence, "do you expect my father
to take a hundred and twenty thousand francs? Didn't you see him go
without even taking the money that M. de Thaller had brought?"

A smile appeared upon M. Desclavettes' pale lips.

"That will do very well to say, my dear Maxence;" he said, "and
some people may believe it. But don't say it to your old friend,
who knows too much about business for that. When a man puts off,
after borrowing twelve millions from his employers, he would be a
great fool if he had not put away two or three in safety. Now,
Favoral is not a fool."

Tears of shame and anger started from Mlle. Gilberte's eyes.

"What you are saying is abominable, sir!" she exclaimed.

He seemed much surprised at this outburst of violence.

"Why so?" he answered. "In Vincent's place, I should not have
hesitated to do what he has certainly done. And I am an honest man
too. I was in business for twent