Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 21, 2025
When Maxence entered the office, a small, dark, and dirty room, the proprietors, M. and Mme. Fortin were just finishing their breakfast with an immense bowl of coffee of doubtful color, of which an enormous red cat was taking a share. "Ah, here is M. Favoral!" they exclaimed. There was no mistaking their tone.
M. de Tregars guided Maxence through the labyrinth of corridors of the building, until he came to a long gallery, at the entrance of which an usher was seated reading a newspaper. "M. Barban d'Avranchel?" inquired M. de Tregars. "He is in his office," replied the usher. "Please ask him if he would receive an important deposition in the Favoral case."
"Your brother?" she asked in a whisper. "He has not yet come home." "Dear me!" sighed the poor mother: "at such a time he forsakes us, and for whose sake?" Mme. Favoral, usually so indulgent, was too severe this time; and it was very unjustly that she accused her son.
But don't say it to your old friend, who knows too much about business for that. When a man puts off, after borrowing twelve millions from his employers, he would be a great fool if he had not put away two or three in safety. Now, Favoral is not a fool." Tears of shame and anger started from Mlle. Gilberte's eyes. "What you are saying is abominable, sir!" she exclaimed.
"But it is to-morrow," interrupted Mme. Favoral, "to-morrow that your father is to bring M. Costeclar. He has said so, and he will do it." And so he did. About two o'clock in the afternoon M. Favoral and his protege arrived in the Rue St. Gilles, in that famous coupe with the two horses, which excited the wonder of the neighbors. But Mlle. Gilberte had her plan ready.
And to-day . . . "Ah! I catch you this time, father!" exclaimed the girl. Meantime, Mme. Favoral, whispering to Mme. Desclavettes: "Positively," she said in a troubled voice, "something serious must have happened to my husband. He to forget! He to fail in one of his habits! It is the first time in twenty-six years." The appearance of Maxence at this moment prevented her from going on.
Then, timidly, and with infinite precautions, she commenced explaining that M. de Thaller's face inspired her with no confidence; that M. Jottras had seemed to her a very impudent personage; that M. Saint Pavin appeared low and vulgar; and that, finally, the young baroness had given her of herself the most singular idea. M. Favoral refused to hear more.
Favoral wished to call him back and return it; but Mlle. Gilberte persuaded her not to. "Never mind, mother," said she, "it isn't worth while; and, besides, the gentleman is too far now." But while getting out her embroidery, with that dexterity which never fails even the most naive girls, she slipped the newspaper in her work-basket. Was she not certain that it had been left there for her?
I am old enough to bear the responsibility of my acts. I shall repair my follies: what I owe, I shall pay. This very day I shall see my creditors, and make arrangements with them." "Very well, Maxence," exclaimed Mme. Favoral, delighted. But there was no pacifying the cashier of the Mutual Credit.
Favoral carefully stored away in her memory. There was one especially, who seemed to inspire him with a profound respect, a boundless admiration, and of whom he never tired of talking. He was, said he, a man of his age, M. de Thaller, the Baron de Thaller. "This one," he kept repeating, "is really mad: he is rich, he has ideas, he'll go far.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking