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Updated: June 5, 2025
Paul would have asked more questions, but Tantaine cut him short with a brief good-morning, and went off hurriedly, taking the doctor with him, and seemingly wishing to avoid a hazardous and unpleasant explanation. "Let us get out of this," whispered he. "In another moment I should have knocked the conceited ass down.
I seem to bring ill luck wherever I go, for this is the fourth mistress I have seen taken off in this way; but come, you are taking nothing at all." But Tantaine had had enough, and making an excuse, retired from a debauch which he saw would continue as long as the wine held out. "All is going well," muttered he, as he climbed into the cab; "and now for the next one."
"Keep your secret, my boy," said Tantaine, in louder accents. This, of course, was enough to loosen Paul's tongue. "Do you think, sir," said he, "that I would keep anything from you?" He opened the letter he held in his hand, continuing: "The portress handed this to me as I came in; she said it was left by a bank messenger. Can you guess where it came from?
"This rig out wouldn't pass muster, but I have a scheme in hand." Tantaine took down the address of the dancing-saloon, and then, addressing Toto with the utmost severity, "Do you think," said he, "that this report is worth a hundred francs?" Toto made a quaint grimace. "Do you think," asked he, "that Caroline can lead the life she does without money? No fear.
He was terribly embarrassed under his fictitious name, and shrank before the honest, open gaze of the young artist, and his mental disturbance was completed by seeing in one corner of the room the picture covered with a green cloth, which Tantaine had alluded to. It was evident that the old villain had told the truth, and that his daughter's portrait was concealed behind this wrapper.
Hortebise did not know whether the most to admire the perseverance or deplore the obstinacy of the old man, and exclaimed, "Why, this is utter madness; it is like plunging headlong into a deep pit, which you can easily see in your path." Tantaine gave a long, low whistle. "My friend," said he, "what in your opinion would be the best course to pursue?"
That, at least, is what I hear from my poor friend Tantaine." "He has explained my case exactly." "Good; only before proceeding to the future, let us speak of the past." Paul gave a start, which Mascarin noticed, for he added, "You will excuse the freedom I am taking; but it is absolutely necessary that I should know to what I am binding myself.
Paul saw them, but did not comprehend their meaning; and Tantaine rubbed his glasses savagely. "You are perhaps deceiving yourself a little," said he at last. "And why? You know that Flavia loves me, poor girl. I ought to marry her, and of course I shall; but still, if I do not do so well, you know, I need say no more." "You wretched scoundrel!" exclaimed the usually placid Tantaine.
Mechanically his hand slipped into his pocket; but before he could draw it out again, Tantaine who had not lost one of his movements, sprang upon him and grasped him so tightly by the throat that he was powerless to adopt any offensive measures, in spite of his great strength and robust build.
The first question had surprised Paul; the second absolutely astounded him. "Quite true, sir," replied he, not attempting to hide his surprise; "but I had no idea that M. Tantaine was so well informed; the partition which divided our rooms must have been thinner than I thought." Mascarin took no notice of this remark, but continued to shuffle and examine his pieces of cardboard.
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