Mathieu wished to ask the doctor’s advice on a grave subject.  After a couple of weeks’ reflection, his idea of experimenting in agriculture, of extricating that unappreciated estate of Chantebled from chaos, preoccupied him to such a degree that he positively suffered at not daring to come to a decision.  The imperious desire to create, to produce life, health, strength, and wealth grew within him day by day.  Yet what fine courage and what a fund of hope he needed to venture upon an enterprise which outwardly seemed so wild and rash, and the wisdom of which was apparent to himself alone.  With whom could he discuss such a matter, to whom could he confide his doubts and hesitation?  When the idea of consulting Boutan occurred to him, he at once asked the doctor for an appointment.  Here was such a confidant as he desired, a man of broad, brave mind, one who worshipped life, who was endowed with far-seeing intelligence, and who would therefore at once look beyond the first difficulties of execution.

As soon as they were face to face on either side of the table, Mathieu began to pour forth his confession, recounting his dream—­his poem, as he called it.  And the doctor listened without interrupting, evidently won over by the young man’s growing, creative emotion.  When at last Boutan had to express an opinion he replied:  “Mon Dieu, my friend, I can tell you nothing from a practical point of view, for I have never even planted a lettuce.  I will even add that your project seems to me so hazardous that any one versed in these matters whom you might consult would assuredly bring forward substantial and convincing arguments to dissuade you.  But you speak of this affair with such superb confidence and ardor and affection, that I feel convinced you would succeed.  Moreover, you flatter my own views, for I have long endeavored to show that, if numerous families are ever to flourish again in France, people must again love and worship the soil, and desert the towns, and lead a fruitful fortifying country life.  So how can I disapprove your plans?  Moreover, I suspect that, like all people who ask advice, you simply came here in the hope that you would find in me a brother ready, in principle at all events, to wage the same battle.”

At this they both laughed heartily.  Then, on Boutan inquiring with what capital he would start operations, Mathieu quietly explained that he did not mean to borrow money and thus run into debt; he would begin, if necessary, with very few acres indeed, convinced as he was of the conquering power of labor.  His would be the head, and he would assuredly find the necessary arms.  His only worry was whether he would be able to induce Seguin to sell him the old hunting-box and the few acres round it on a system of yearly payments, without preliminary disbursement.  When he spoke to the doctor on this subject, the other replied: 

“Oh!  I think he is very favorably disposed.  I know that he would be delighted to sell that huge, unprofitable estate, for with his increasing pecuniary wants he is very much embarrassed by it.  You are aware, no doubt, that things are going from bad to worse in his household.”