The notary changed color.

"Oh, never be ashamed," said Aubertin; "a good action done slyly is none
the less a good action."

The notary wore a puzzled air.

Aubertin admired his histrionic powers in calling up this look.

"Come, come, don't overdo it," said he. "Well, well; they cannot profit
by your liberality; but you will be rewarded in a better world, take my
word for that."

The notary muttered indistinctly. He was a man of moderate desires;
would have been quite content if there had been no other world in
perspective. He had studied this one, and made it pay: did not desire a
better; sometimes feared a worse.

"Ah!" said Aubertin, "I see how it is; we do not like to hear ourselves
praised, do we? When shall we see you at the chateau?"

"I propose to call on the baroness the moment I have good news to
bring," replied Perrin; and to avoid any more compliments spurred the
dun pony suddenly; and he waddled away.

Now this Perrin was at that moment on the way to dine with a character
who plays a considerable part in the tale--Commandant Raynal. Perrin had
made himself useful to the commandant, and had become his legal adviser.
And, this very day after dinner, the commandant having done a good day's