on reflection I refused this offer. After having enjoyed for so long
a time a fortune which did not belong to me, I am anxious to amass a
fortune of my own."

"Would it be indiscreet in me to inquire what you intend to do?"

"Not the least in the world. I am going to turn pedler."

M. d'Escorval could not believe his ears. "Pedler?" he repeated.

"Yes, Monsieur. Look, there is my pack in that corner."

"But this is absurd!" exclaimed M. d'Escorval. "People can scarcely earn
their daily bread in this way."

"You are wrong, Monsieur. I have considered the subject carefully; the
profits are thirty per cent. And if besides, there will be three of us
to sell goods, for I shall confide one pack to my son, and another to
Chanlouineau."

"What! Chanlouineau?"

"He has become my partner in the enterprise."

"And his farm--who will take care of that?"

"He will employ day-laborers."

And then, as if wishing to make M. d'Escorval understand that his visit
had lasted quite long enough, Lacheneur began arranging the little