ness with which
Cesar had combated his wife's presentiments.

The perfumer went up the seventy-eight stairs which led to the little
brown door of his uncle's appartement, thinking as he went that the old
man must be very hale to mount them daily without complaining. He found
a frock-coat and pair of trousers hanging on the hat-stand outside
the door. Madame Vaillant brushed and cleaned them while this genuine
philosopher, wrapped in a gray woollen garment, breakfasted in
his chimney-corner and read the parliamentary debates in the
"Constitutionnel" or the "Journal du Commerce."

"Uncle," said Cesar, "the matter is settled; they are drawing up their
deeds; but you have any fears or regrets, there is still time to give it
up."

"Why should I give it up? The thing is good; though it may be a long
time before we realize anything, like all safe investments. My
fifty thousand francs are in the bank. I received yesterday the last
instalment, five thousand francs, from my business. As for the Ragons,
they have put their whole fortune into the affair."

"How do they contrive to life?"

"Never mind how; they do live."

"Uncle, I understand!" said Birotteau, deeply moved, pressing the hand
of the austere old man.

"How is the affair arranged?" asked Pillerault, brusquely.

"I am in for three eighths, you and the Ragons for one eighth. I shall
credit you for that on my books until the question of registration is
decided."

"Good! My boy, you must be getting rich to put three hundred thousand
francs into it. It seems to me you are risking a good deal outside of
your business. Won't the business suffer? However, that is your affair.
If you get a set-back, why the Funds are at eighty, and I could sell two
thousand francs worth of my consolidated stock. But take care, my lad;
for if you have to come upon me, it will be your daughter's fortune that
you will take."

"Ah! my uncle, how simply you say things! You touch my heart."

"General Foy was touching mine in quite another fashion just now. Well,
go on; settle the business; lands can't fly away. We are getting them at
half price. Suppose we do have to wait six years, there will always be
some returns; there are wood-yards which will bring in a rent. We can't
really lose anything. There is but one chance against us. Roguin might
run off with the money."

"My wife told me so this very night. She fears--"

"That Roguin will carry off our funds?" said Pillerault, laughing