Mathieu Froment, who advanced the cash, well pleased to invest it in the works in his son’s name.  And now, with the view of putting everything in order, it had been resolved that the property should be divided into six parts, and that one of these parts or shares should be attributed to Blaise as reimbursement for the loan.  Thus the young fellow would possess an interest of one sixth in the establishment, unless indeed Beauchene should buy him out again within a stipulated period.  The danger was that, instead of freeing himself in this fashion, Beauchene might yield to the temptation of selling the other parts one by one, now that he was gliding down a path of folly and extravagance.

Constance listened to Morange, quivering and quite pale.  “Is this signed?” she asked.

“No, not yet.  But the papers are ready and will be signed shortly.  Moreover, it is a reasonable and necessary solution of the difficulty.”

She was evidently of another opinion.  A feeling of revolt possessed her, and she strove to think of some decisive means of preventing the ruin and shame which in her opinion threatened her.  “My God, what am I to do?  How can I act?” she gasped; and then, in her rage at finding no device, at being powerless, this cry escaped her:  “Ah! that scoundrel Blaise!”

Worthy Morange was quite moved by it.  Still he had not fully understood.  And so, in his quiet way, he endeavored to calm Constance, explaining that Blaise had a very good heart, and that in the circumstances in question he had behaved in the best way possible, doing all that he could to stifle scandal, and even displaying great disinterestedness.  And as Constance had risen, satisfied with knowing the truth, and anxious that the three men might not find her there on their arrival, the accountant likewise quitted his chair, and accompanied her along the gallery which she had to follow in order to return to her house.

“I give you my word of honor, madame,” said Morange, “that the young man has made no base calculations in the matter.  All the papers pass through my hands, and nobody could know more than I know myself.  Besides, if I had entertained the slightest doubt of any machination, I should have endeavored to requite your kindness by warning you.”

She no longer listened to him, however; in fact, she was anxious to get rid of him, for all at once the long-threatening rain had begun to fall violently, lashing the glass roof.  So dark a mass of clouds had overspread the sky that it was almost night in the gallery, though four o’clock had scarcely struck.  And it occurred to Constance that in presence of such a deluge the three men would certainly take a cab.  So she hastened her steps, still followed, however, by the accountant.

“For instance,” he continued, “when it was a question of drawing up the agreement—­”

But he suddenly paused, gave vent to a hoarse exclamation, and stopped her, pulling her back as if in terror.