Academy of Medicine have even won for him a reputation among
_savants_. But what does that count for, compared to what I have
dreamed of for him? Yes, all the best practice of the town, a large
fortune, the decoration--honors, in short, and a position worthy of
the family. My word! I used to say to him when he was a child: 'But
where do you come from? You are not one of us!' As for me, I have
sacrificed everything for the family; I would let myself be hacked to
pieces, that the family might always be great and glorious!"

She straightened her small figure, she seemed to grow tall with the
one passion that had formed the joy and pride of her life. But as she
resumed her walk, she was startled by suddenly perceiving on the floor
the copy of the _Temps_, which the doctor had thrown there, after
cutting out the article, to add it to the Saccard papers, and the
light from the open window, falling full upon the sheet, enlightened
her, no doubt, for she suddenly stopped walking, and threw herself
into a chair, as if she at last knew what she had come to learn.

"Your father has been appointed editor of the _Epoque_," she said
abruptly.

"Yes," answered Clotilde tranquilly, "master told me so; it was in the
paper."

With an anxious and attentive expression, Felicite looked at her, for
this appointment of Saccard, this rallying to the republic, was
something of vast significance. After the fall of the empire he had
dared return to France, notwithstanding his condemnation as director
of the Banque Universelle, the colossal fall of which had preceded
that of the government. New influences, some incredible intrigue must