with ecstasy. Even the little girl became very red.

"Last March," continued Morange, "I happened to meet Michaud, who told me
all that, and showed himself very amiable. He offered to take me with him
and help me on in my turn. Only there's some risk to run. He explained to
me that I must at first accept three thousand six hundred, so as to rise
gradually to a very big figure. But three thousand six hundred! How can
one live on that in the meantime, especially now that this flat has
increased our expenses?"

At this Valerie broke in impetuously: "'Nothing venture, nothing have!'
That's what I keep on repeating to him. Of course I am in favor of
prudence; I would never let him do anything rash which might compromise
his future. But, at the same time, he can't moulder away in a situation
unworthy of him."

"And so you have made up your minds?" asked Mathieu.

"Well, my wife has calculated everything," Morange replied; "and, yes, we
have made up our minds, provided, of course, that nothing unforeseen
occurs. Besides, it is only in October that any situation will be open at
the Credit National. But, I say, my dear friend, keep the matter entirely
to yourself, for we don't want to quarrel with the Beauchenes just now."

Then he looked at his watch, for, like a good clerk, he was very
punctual, and did not wish to be late at the office. The servant was
hurried, the coffee was served, and they were drinking it, boiling hot as
it was, when the arrival of a visitor upset the little household and
caused everything to be forgotten.