"That's true," said Antonin. "You have it. There's nothing but
speculation that is welcomed everywhere."

"Yes, just see how great names, great families, the old and the new
peerage are rushing hot-foot into enterprises and partnerships," said
Achille Pigoult.

"Francs attract the Franks," remarked Olivier Vinet, without a smile.

"You are not an _olive_-branch of peace," said Madame Mollot,
laughing.

"But is it not demoralizing to see such names as Verneuil,
Maufrigneuse, and Herouville side by side with those of du Tillet and
Nucingen in the Bourse speculations?"

"Our great Unknown is undoubtedly an embryo railway," said Olivier
Vinet.

"Well, to-morrow all Arcis will be upside-down about it," said Achille
Pigoult. "I shall call upon the Unknown and ask him to make me notary
of the affair. There'll be two thousand deeds to draw, at the least."

"Our romance is turning into a locomotive," said Ernestine to Cecile.

"A count with a railway is all the more marriageable," remarked
Achille Pigoult. "But who knows whether he is a bachelor?"

"Oh! I shall know that to-morrow from grandpapa," cried Cecile, with