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Updated: June 25, 2025
The Baron and Baroness de Thaller and their daughter had gone to Switzerland; M. Costeclar was traveling in Belgium; the elder Jottras was in England, buying guns and cartridge; and if the younger Jottras, with M. Saint Pavin of "The Financial Pilot," remained in Paris, it was because, through the gallant influence of a lady whose name was not mentioned, they had obtained some valuable contracts from the government.
Rising in all the height of his wrath, which broke out terrible at last, "Ah, you scoundrel!" he exclaimed. M. Costeclar threw himself suddenly to one side. "Sir!" But at one bound M. de Tregars had caught him. "On your knees!" he cried. And, seizing him by the collar with an iron grip, he lifted him clear off the floor, and then threw him down violently upon both knees. "Speak!" he commanded.
He turned around, and, within two lengths of his cane, saw M. Saint Pavin and M. Costeclar. Maxence hardly knew M. Saint Pavin, whom he had only seen two or three times in the Rue St. Gilles, and execrated M. Costeclar. Still he advanced towards them. Mlle. Lucienne's carriage was now caught in the file; and he was sure of joining it whenever he thought proper.
"What is the matter with your father, my poor children?" exclaimed Mme. Favoral. "I have never seen him in such a state." "Doubtless," replied Maxence, "the rupture with Costeclar is going to break up some combination." But that explanation did not satisfy him any more than it did his mother. He, too, felt a vague apprehension of some impending misfortune. But what?
Among the most obstinate could be numbered M. Costeclar, who was pleased to declare, upon his word of honor, that he had lost his sleep, and his taste for business, since the day when, together with M. Saint Pavin, he had first seen Mlle. Lucienne.
Gilberte had laid it, and commenced reading it again, scanning each syllable, as if in hopes of discovering in each word some hidden meaning. "What did you say to Costeclar?" he resumed, "what did you do to him to make him take such a determination?" "Nothing," answered Maxence and Mlle. Gilberte. The hope of being at last rid of that man inspired Mme. Favoral with something like courage.
Already she had again turned towards him. "What a face you are making!" she said. "Are you jealous of the fiery Costeclar, by chance?" "No, mademoiselle, no!" "Then, why don't you want him to succeed in his love? But he will, you'll see! Five hundred francs on Costeclar! Do you take it? No? I am sorry. It's twenty-five napoleons lost for me. I know very well that Mlle. what's her name?"
Some friends of M. de Thaller, M. Costeclar, for instance, had endeavored to keep up the market; but they had soon recognized the futility of their efforts, and then they had bravely commenced doing like the rest. The next day was Sunday. From the early morning, it was reported, with the most circumstantial details, that the Baron de Thaller had been arrested.
He stated that he came on a very important matter that you would know all about: and he requested me to ask you to wait for him to-morrow, that is to-day, by twelve o'clock." Was M. Costeclar sent by M. de Thaller? Had the manager of the Mutual Credit changed his mind? and had he decided to accept the conditions which he had at first rejected? In that case, it was too late.
Having taken his resolution, Maxence placed himself on the lookout; and the very next day, as M. Costeclar was stepping out of his carriage at the door, he walked straight up to him. "I wish to speak to you, sir," he said. Self-possessed as he was, the brilliant financier succeeded but poorly in concealing a surprise that looked very much like fright.
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