Denis’s installation at the Beauchene works in his brother’s place had come about quite naturally.  If he had not gone thither on leaving the science school where he had spent three years, it was simply because the position was at that time already held by Blaise.  All his technical studies marked him out for the post.  In a single day he had fitted himself for it, and he simply had to take up his quarters in the little pavilion, Charlotte having fled to Chantebled with her little Berthe directly after the horrible catastrophe.  It should be added that Denis’ entry into the establishment offered a convenient solution with regard to the large sum of money lent to Beauchene, which, it had been arranged, should be reimbursed by a sixth share in the factory.  That money came from the family, and one brother simply took the place of the other, signing the agreement which the deceased would have signed.  With a delicate rectitude, however, Denis insisted that out of his share of the profits an annuity should be assigned to Charlotte, his brother’s widow.

Thus matters were settled in a week, in the manner that circumstances logically demanded, and without possibility of discussion.  Constance, bewildered and overwhelmed, was not even able to struggle.  Her husband reduced her to silence by repeating:  “What would you have me do?  I must have somebody to help me, and it is just as well to take Denis as a stranger.  Besides, if he worries me I will buy him out within a year and give him his dismissal!”

At this Constance remained silent to avoid casting his ignominy in his face, amid her despair at feeling the walls of the house crumble and fall, bit by bit, upon her.

Once installed at the works, Denis considered that the time had come to carry out the matrimonial plans which he had long since arranged with Marthe Desvignes.  The latter, Charlotte’s younger sister and at one time the inseparable friend of Rose, had been waiting for him for nearly three years now, with her bright smile and air of affectionate good sense.  They had known one another since childhood, and had exchanged many a vow along the lonely paths of Janville.  But they had said to one another that they would do nothing prematurely, that for the happiness of a whole lifetime one might well wait until one was old enough and strong enough to undertake family duties.  Some people were greatly astonished that a young man whose future was so promising, and whose position at twenty-six years of age was already a superb one, should thus obstinately espouse a penniless girl.  Mathieu and Marianne smiled, however, and consented, knowing their son’s good reasons.  He had no desire to marry a rich girl who would cost him more than she brought, and he was delighted at having discovered a pretty, healthy, and very sensible and skilful young woman, who would be at all times his companion, helpmate, and consoler.  He feared no surprises with her, for he had studied her; she