Wilkie? After mature deliberation he decided in the negative. If
he revealed everything, M. Fortunat might become discouraged and
abandon the affair. It would be better to let him discover the
truth himself, and profit by his anger to indicate a means of
vengeance.
It happened that M. Fortunat had decided not to go to the country
that Sunday. He had slept later than usual, and was still in his
dressing-gown when Chupin made his appearance. He uttered a
joyful cry on seeing his emissary, feeling assured that he must be
the bearer of good news, since he came so early. "You have
succeeded, then?" he exclaimed.
"Yes, monsieur."
"You have discovered Madame d'Argeles's son?"
"I have him."
"Ah! I knew that you were a clever fellow. Quick, tell me
everything. But no, wait a moment."
He rang the bell, and Madame Dodelin at once made her appearance.
"Put another plate on the table," said the agent. "M. Chupin will
breakfast with me--and serve us at once. You agree, don't you,
Victor? It's ten o'clock; I'm hungry; and we can talk better over
a bottle of wine."
This was a great honor; and it gave Chupin a fitting idea of the
value of the service he had rendered. He was not too much elated,
however; though he felt very sorry that he had eaten before he
came. On his side, M. Fortunat by no means regretted having
conferred this favor on his clerk, for the story which the latter
related, caused him intense delight.
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