, she would have cost us less."

"That is an idea"! replied the Baron. "But she would still be cheating
us; for, my burly friend, what do you say to this Brazilian?"

"Ay, old sly fox, you are right, we are swindled like--like
shareholders!" said Crevel. "All such women are an unlimited liability,
and we the sleeping partners."

"Then it was she who told you about the candle in the window?"

"My good man," replied Crevel, striking an attitude, "she has fooled us
both. Valerie is a--She told me to keep you here.--Now I see it all. She
has got her Brazilian!--Oh, I have done with her, for if you hold her
hands, she would find a way to cheat you with her feet! There! she is a
minx, a jade!"

"She is lower than a prostitute," said the Baron. "Josepha and Jenny
Cadine were in their rights when they were false to us; they make a
trade of their charms."

"But she, who affects the saint--the prude!" said Crevel. "I tell you
what, Hulot, do you go back to your wife; your money matters are not
looking well; I have heard talk of certain notes of hand given to a low
usurer whose special line of business is lending to these sluts, a man
named Vauvinet. For my part, I am cured of your 'real ladies.' And,
after all, at our time of life what do we want of these swindling
hussies, who, to be honest, cannot help playing us false? You have white
hair and false teeth; I am of the shape of Silenus. I shall go in for
saving. Money never deceives one. Though the Treasury is indeed open
to all the world twice a year, it pays you interest, and this woman
swallows it. With you, my worthy friend, as Gubetta, as my partner in
the concern, I might have resigned myself to a shady bargain--no, a
philosophical calm. But with a Brazilian who has possibly smuggled in
some doubtful colonial produce----"

"Woman is an inexplicable creature!" said Hulot.

"I can explain her," said Crevel. "We are old; the Brazilian is young
and handsome."

"Yes; that, I own, is true," said Hulot; "we are older than we
were. But, my dear fellow, how is one to do without these pretty
creatures--seeing them undress, twist up their hair, smile cunningly
through their fingers as they screw up their curl-papers, put on all
their airs and graces, tell all their lies, declare that we don't love
them when we are worried with business; and they cheer us in spite of
everything."

"Yes, by the Power! It is the only pleasure in life!" cried Crevel.
"When a saucy little mug