good canvas. Money that is lightly earned is lightly spent. Did I not
hear that hare-brained youngster declare this evening that money was
made round that it might roll. If it is round for spendthrifts, it is
flat for saving folks who pile it up. Now, my child, that fine
gentleman talks of giving you carriages and diamonds! He has money,
let him spend it on you; so be it. It is no concern of mine. But as to
what I can give you, I will not have the crown-pieces I have picked up
with so much toil wasted in carriages and frippery. Those who spend
too fast never grow rich. A hundred thousand crowns, which is your
fortune, will not buy up Paris. It is all very well to look forward to
a few hundred thousand francs to be yours some day; I shall keep you
waiting for them as long as possible, by Gad! So I took your lover
aside, and a man who managed the Lecocq bankruptcy had not much
difficulty in persuading the artist to marry under a settlement of his
wife's money on herself. I will keep an eye on the marriage contract
to see that what he is to settle on you is safely tied up. So now, my
child, I hope to be a grandfather, by Gad! I will begin at once to lay
up for my grandchildren; but swear to me, here and now, never to sign
any papers relating to money without my advice; and if I go soon to
join old Father Chevrel, promise to consult young Lebas, your
brother-in-law."

"Yes, father, I swear it."

At these words, spoken in a gentle voice, the old man kissed his
daughter on both cheeks. That night the lovers slept as soundly as
Monsieur and Madame Guillaume.