"
Chupin could only have answered this remark by saying that there
had been no mystery about the previous affairs, that they had not
been proposed to him late at night at his own home, and that he
had acted openly, as a person who represents a creditor has a
recognized right to act. But, though he felt that there WAS a
difference in the present case, it would have been very difficult
for him to explain in what this difference consisted. Hence, in
his most resolute tone: "I'm only a fool, m'sieur," he declared;
"but I shall know how to make amends for my folly."
"That means you have recovered your senses," said M. Fortunat,
ironically. "Really, that's fortunate. But let me give you one
bit of advice: watch yourself, and learn to bridle your tongue.
You won't always find me in such a good humor as I am this
evening."
So saying, he rose, passed out into the adjoining room, bowed
civilly to his clerk's mother, and went off. His last words, as
he crossed the threshold, were, "So I shall rely upon you. Be at
the office to-morrow a little before noon."
"It's agreed m'sieur."
The blind woman had risen, and had bowed respectfully; but, as
soon as she was alone with her son, she asked: "What is this
business he bids you undertake in such a high and mighty tone?"
"Oh! an every-day matter, mother."
The old woman shook her head. "Why were you talking so loud
then?" she inquired. "Weren't you quarrelling? It must be
something very grave when it's necessary to conceal it from me.
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