Then Morange reverted to his dream of fortune. "Well," said he, "I hope
that she _will_ have a carriage when we marry her off. Just let me get
into the Credit National and you will see all your desires fulfilled."

And turning towards Mathieu he added, "There are three of us, and, as I
have said before, that is quite enough for a man to provide for,
especially as money is so hard to earn."



III

AT the works during the afternoon Mathieu, who wished to be free earlier
than usual in order that, before dining in town, he might call upon his
landlord, in accordance with his promise to Marianne, found himself so
busy that he scarcely caught sight of Beauchene. This was a relief, for
the secret which he had discovered by chance annoyed him, and he feared
lest he might cause his employer embarrassment. But the latter, when they
exchanged a few passing words, did not seem to remember even that there
was any cause for shame on his part. He had never before shown himself
more active, more devoted to business. The fatigue he had felt in the
morning had passed away, and he talked and laughed like one who finds
life very pleasant, and has no fear whatever of hard work.

As a rule Mathieu left at six o'clock; but that day he went into
Morange's office at half-past five to receive his month's salary. This
rightly amounted to three hundred and fifty francs; but as five hundred
had been advanced to him in January, which he paid back by instalments of
fifty, he now received only fifteen louis, and these he pocketed with
such an air of satisfaction that the accountant commented on it.