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Updated: July 21, 2025
Thus Maxence had sworn to himself to change his mode of life, promising that it would be no drunkard's oath, either. And his attitude and his looks showed the pride of great resolutions. Instead of lowering his eyes before the irritated glance of M. Favoral, and stammering excuses and vague promises: "It is useless, father," he replied, "to give you the list you ask for.
She had learned, to her cost, that the whistle of her husband, more surely than the shriek of the stormy petrel, announces the storm. And she had that evening more reasons than usual to fear. Breaking from all his habits, M. Favoral had not come home to dinner, and had sent one of the clerks of the Mutual Credit Society to say that they should not wait for him.
I have noticed lately a young gentleman about here who looks up quite suspiciously when he goes by No. 38." The servant did not seem to find these particulars very interesting. "It's the lady," he said, "that my cousin would like to know most about." "Naturally. Well, you can safely tell her that she never will have had a better mistress. Poor Madame Favoral!
He was seated, his elbow upon the arm of the chair, his head resting upon his hands, thinking; and the contraction of his features indicated an extraordinary tension of mind. Suddenly he drew himself up. "But why," he exclaimed, "why wander in idle conjectures? What do we know about Favoral? Nothing.
To such as he spoke to, he stated that he had been sent by a cousin of his, an excellent cook, who, before taking a place in the neighborhood, was anxious to have all possible information on the subject of her prospective masters. And then, "Do you know M. Vincent Favoral?" he would ask.
M. Favoral was not present at this scene. The yearly accounts kept him so closely confined to his office, that he remained forty-eight hours without coming home. A journey which he was compelled to undertake for M. de Thaller consumed the balance of the week. But on his return he seemed satisfied and quiet.
Favoral judge that he must have been well treated; and he further confirmed her in that opinion by granting her, of his own accord, a few additional francs for the daily expenses of the house. "We must," he declared on this memorable occasion, "do honor to our social position, whatever it may cost." For the first time in his life, he seemed heedful of public opinion.
What do you think of that? Come, will you go? We'll drink champagne, and we'll laugh. No? Zut then, and my compliments to your family." But, at the moment of leaving the room, her heart failed her. "This is doubtless the last time I shall ever see you, M. de Tregars," she said. "Farewell! You know now why I, who have a dowry of a million, I envy Gilberte Favoral. Once more farewell.
Her children had no time to answer and comfort her; for at this moment the door-bell rang again. "Who can it be now?" said Mme. Favoral with a start. This time there was no discussion in the hall. Steps sounded on the floor of the dining-room; the door opened; and M. Desclavettes, the old bronze-merchant, walked, or rather slipped into the parlor.
Gilberte being vacant, M. Costeclar occupied it promptly. "He understands his business," growled M. Desormeaux. "Surely," said M. Desclavettes, "if I had some funds to dispose of just now." "I would be most happy to have him for my son-in-law," declared M. Favoral. He was doing his best. Somewhat intimidated by Mlle. Gilberte's first look, he had now fully recovered his wits.
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