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Updated: June 19, 2025
"Yes, Madame," answered Panine, sadly, "and, believe me, no one judges my conduct more severely than I do." The mistress could not help looking surprised. "Ah!" she said, with irony, "I did not expect to find you in such a mood. You have not accustomed me to such humility and sweetness. You must be afraid, to have arrived at that stage!"
"Certainly," said the German; "Madame Desvarennes's son-in-law will become a financial power. And a Prince, too. What a fine name for a board of directors!" The two financiers looked at each other for a moment; the same thought had struck them. "Yes, but," replied Cayrol, "Madame Desvarennes will never allow Panine to take part in business." "Who knows?" said Herzog.
That happiness was dearly, bought; but as the proverb says: "Money troubles are not mortal!" And, besides, it was evident that the Prince did not keep account of his money; his hand was always open. And never did a great lord do more honor to his fortune. Panine, in marrying Micheline, had found the mistress's cash-box at his disposal.
I had left you without saying good-night. It was the first time it had occurred, and I wanted to beg your pardon. But you came in very late." "Micheline, it is I who am ungrateful," interrupted Panine, making the young wife sit down beside him. "It is I who must ask you to be indulgent." "Serge! I beg of you!" said the young wife, taking both his hands. "All is forgotten.
This young girl had not struck his fancy. It was one night at a ball, on seeing her dancing with Prince Panine, that he perceived that she was marvellously engaging. His eyes were attracted by an invincible power and followed her graceful figure whirling through the waltz.
Madame Desvarennes saw that she would gain nothing, and that the game was irrevocably lost. A great sorrow stole over her. She foresaw a dark future, and had a presentiment that trouble had entered the house with Serge Panine. What could she do? Combat the infatuation of her daughter! She knew that life would be odious for her if Micheline ceased to laugh and to sing.
Serge walked in, as he would have done at home, with his hat on, amid a number of small shareholders, who had come full of anxiety after reading the accounts in the newspapers, and who felt full of confidence after seeing the splendor of the place. Panine reached Herzog's office, but when about to open the door, loud voices struck his ear.
"You are so truly mine at this moment!" Panine saw that the opportunity for confessing all had come. He was able to bring tears to his eyes, and went toward the window as if to hide his emotion. Micheline followed him, and, in an eager tone, continued: "Ah! I knew you were hiding something. You are unhappy or in pain; threatened perhaps? Ah! if you love me, tell me the truth!" "Well, yes!
He had started modestly when opening the bank; his business had increased, but his habits had remained the same. It was not a difficult matter to obtain an interview, even by people not known to him. They sent in their cards, and were admitted to his sanctum. It was amid the coming and going of customers and clerks that Prince Panine came the following day to find Cayrol.
Then, looking at him earnestly, he asked: "Is it agreed?" Serge hesitated for a moment, and then bowed his head, saying: "It is agreed." Herzog pulled the check-string communicating with the coachman and alighted. "Good-by," said he to Panine. He slipped into his own carriage, which had followed closely behind, and drove off. From that day, even Jeanne had a rival.
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