mmodity. Proverbs are no fools; extremes meet. Now see, my boy,
commerce is the intermediary between the productions of the vegetable
kingdom and science. Angelique Madou gathers, Monsieur Vauquelin
extracts, we sell an essence. Nuts are worth five sous a pound, Monsieur
Vauquelin will increase their value one hundredfold, and we shall,
perhaps, do a service to humanity; for if vanity is the cause of the
greatest torments of mankind, a good cosmetic becomes a benefaction."

The religious admiration with which Popinot listened to the father
of Cesarine stimulated Birotteau's eloquence, who allowed himself
to expatiate in phrases which certainly were extremely wild for a
bourgeois.

"Be respectful, Anselme," he said, as they reached the street where
Monsieur Vauquelin lived, "we are about to enter the sanctuary of
science. Put the Virgin in full sight, but not ostentatiously, in the
dining-room, on a chair. Pray heaven, I may not get mixed up in what I
have to say!" cried Cesar, naively. "Popinot, this man has a chemical
effect upon me; his voice heats my stomach, and even gives me a slight
colic. He is my benefactor, and in a few moments he will be yours."

These words struck Popinot with a cold chill, and he began to step as
if he were walking on eggs, looking nervously at the wall. Monsieur
Vauquelin was in his study when Birotteau was announced. The academician
knew that the perfumer and deputy-mayor was high in favor, and he
admitted him.

"You do not forget me in the midst of your distinctions," he said,
"there is only a hand's-breadth, however, between a chemist and a
perfumer."

"Ah, monsieur! between your genius and the plainness of a man like me
there is infinity. I owe to you what you call my distinctions: I shall
never forget it in this world, nor in the next."

"Oh! in the next they say we shall be all alike, kings and cobblers."

"Provided kings and cobblers lead a holy life here below," said
Birotteau.

"Is that your son?" asked Vauquelin, looking at little Popinot, who was
amazed at not seeing anything extraordinary in the sanctum, where he
expected to find monstrosities, gigantic engines, flying-machines, and
material substances all alive.

"No, monsieur, but a young man whom I love, and who comes to ask a
kindness equal to your genius,--and that is infinite," said Cesar with
shrewd courtesy. "We have come to consult you, a second time, on an
important matter, about which I am ignorant as a per