"Two or three more operations like the one we have just successfully
wound up, and we can shut up shop!"

From all this, what could she conclude, if not that he was marching
with rapid strides towards that fortune, the object of all his
ambition?

Already in the neighborhood he had that reputation to be very rich,
which is the beginning of riches itself. He was admired for keeping
his house with such rigid economy; for a man is always esteemed who
has money, and does not spend it.

"He is not the man ever to squander what he has," the neighbors
repeated.

The persons whom he received on Saturdays believed him more than
comfortably off. When M. Desclavettes and M. Chapelain had
complained to their hearts' contents, the one of the shop, the
other of his office, they never failed to add,

"You laugh at us, because you are engaged in large operations, where
people make as much money as they like."

They seemed to hold his financial capacities in high estimation.
They consulted him, and followed his advice.

M. Desormeaux was wont to say,

"Oh! he knows what he is about."