he feels her pulse, “You see, my child, that there’s a God after all.  You have been the cause of a great misfortune, and you must now repair it.  The finger of God is in all this [it is inconceivable what they don’t say the finger of God is in!].  Religion is religion:  submit, resign yourself, and that will quiet you better than my drugs.  Above all, resolve to stay here and take care of your master:  forget and forgive,—­that’s Christianity.”

Goddet has promised to keep the Rabouilleuse three months in her bed.  By degrees the girl will get accustomed to living under the same roof with me.  I have bought over the cook.  That abominable old woman tells her mistress Max would have led her a hard life; and declares she overheard him say that if, after the old man’s death, he was obliged to marry Flore, he didn’t mean to have his prospects ruined by it, and he should find a way to get rid of her.

  Thus, all goes well, so far.  My uncle, by old Hochon’s advice, has
  destroyed his will.

To Monsieur Giroudeau, care of Mademoiselle Florentine.  Rue de Vendome, Marais: 

My dear old Fellow,—­Find out if the little rat Cesarine has any engagement, and if not, try to arrange that she can come to Issoudun in case I send for her; if I do, she must come at once.  It is a matter this time of decent behavior; no theatre morals.  She must present herself as the daughter of a brave soldier, killed on the battle-field.  Therefore, mind,—­sober manners, schoolgirl’s clothes, virtue of the best quality; that’s the watchword.  If I need Cesarine, and if she answers my purpose, I will give her fifty thousand francs on my uncle’s death.  If Cesarine has other engagements, explain what I want to Florentine; and between you, find me some ballet-girl capable of playing the part.

I have had my skull cracked in a duel with the fellow who was filching my inheritance, and is now feeding the worms.  I’ll tell you all about it some day.  Ah! old fellow, the good times are coming back for you and me; we’ll amuse ourselves once more, or we are not the pair we really are.  If you can send me five hundred more cartridges I’ll bite them.

Adieu, my old fire-eater.  Light your pipe with this letter.  Mind, the daughter of the officer is to come from Chateauroux, and must seem to be in need of assistance.  I hope however that I shall not be driven to such dangerous expedients.  Remember me to Mariette and all our friends.

Agathe, informed by Madame Hochon of what had happened, rushed to Issoudun, and was received by her brother, who gave her Philippe’s former room.  The poor mother’s tenderness for the worthless son revived in all its maternal strength; a few happy days were hers at last, as she listened to the praises which the whole town bestowed upon her hero.