andshakes
that we have exchanged should not be wasted, you must induce my wife to
be reconciled to you. Without that it's of no use. When Mademoiselle
Afchin shut her door in our faces, you let her do it, didn't you? It's
the same with me; if Marie should say to me when I go home: 'I don't
want you to be friends,' all my protestations wouldn't prevent me from
throwing you overboard. For there's no friendship that amounts to
anything. The best thing in the world is to have peace in your own
house."

"But what am I to do, then?" queried the Nabob, in dismay.

"That's what I'm going to tell you. The baroness is at home every
Saturday. Come with your wife and call on her day after to-morrow. You
will find the best people in Paris at the house. Nothing will be said
about the past. The ladies will talk dresses and bonnets, say what women
say to each other. And then it will be all settled. We shall be friends
again as in the old days; and if you're in the hole, why, we'll pull you
out."

"Do you think so? It's a fact that I am in very deep," said the other,
shaking his head.

Once more Hemerlingue's cunning eyes disappeared between his cheeks,
like two flies in butter.

"_Dame!_ yes, I've played pretty close. You don't lack skill. That
stroke of loaning fifteen millions to the bey was very shrewd. Ah!
you're a cool one; but you don't hold your cards right. Others can see
your hand."

Thus far they had spoken in undertones, as if awed by the silence of the
great necropolis; but gradually selfish interests raised their tones,
even amid the proofs of their nothingness displayed upon all those flat
stones covered with dates and figures, as if death were simply a matter
of time and reckoning, the desired solution of a problem.

Hemerlingue enjoyed seeing his friend so humble, he gave him advice
concerning his business affairs, with which he seemed to be thoroughly
acquainted. According to his view, the Nabob could still get out of his
difficulties in very good shape. Everything depended on the confirmation
of his election, on having another card to play. Then it must be played
judiciously. But Jansoulet had no confidence. In losing Mora he had lost
everything.

"You have lost Mora, but you have found me. One's worth as much as the
other," said the baron, calmly.

"But no, you see yourself it's impossible. It's too late. Le Merquier
has finished his report. It's a terrible report, so it seems."

"Very well! if he's fin