This resistance exasperated Louis to the last degree.

“You are the most absurd, ridiculous fool I ever met,” he cried.  “An opportunity occurs for us to make an immense fortune.  All we have to do is to stretch out our hands and take it; when you must needs prove refractory, like a whimpering baby.  Nobody but an ass would refuse to drink when he is thirsty, because he sees a little mud at the bottom of the bucket.  I suppose you prefer theft on a small scale, stealing by driblets.  And where will your system lead you?  To the poor-house or the police-station.  You prefer living from hand to mouth, supported by Mme. Fauvel, having small sums doled out to you to pay your little gambling debts.”

“I am neither ambitious nor cruel.”

“And suppose Mme. Fauvel dies to-morrow:  what will become of you?  Will you go cringing up to the widower, and implore him to continue your allowance?”

“Enough said,” cried Raoul, angrily interrupting his uncle.  “I never had any idea of retreating.  I made these objections to show you what infamous work you expect of me, and at the same time prove to you that without my assistance you can do nothing.”

“I never pretended to the contrary.”

“Then, my noble uncle, we might as well settle what my share is to be.  Oh! it is not worth while for you to indulge in idle protestations.  What will you give me in case of success? and what if we fail?”

“I told you before.  I will give you twenty-five thousand livres a year, and all you can secure between now and my wedding-day.”

“This arrangement suits me very well; but where are your securities?”

This question was discussed a long time before it was satisfactorily settled by the accomplices, who had every reason to distrust each other.

“What are you afraid of?” asked Clameran.

“Everything,” replied Raoul.  “Where am I to obtain justice, if you deceive me?  From this pretty little poniard?  No, thank you.  I would be made to pay as dear for your hide, as for that of an honest man.”

Finally, after long debate and much recrimination, the matter was arranged, and they shook hands before separating.

Alas!  Mme. Fauvel and her niece soon felt the evil effects of the understanding between the villains.

Everything happened as Louis had arranged.

Once more, when Mme. Fauvel had begun to breathe freely, and to hope that her troubles were over, Raoul’s conduct suddenly changed; he became more extravagant and dissipated than ever.

Formerly, Mme. Fauvel would have said, “I wonder what he does with all the money I give him?” Now she saw where it went.

Raoul was reckless in his wickedness; he was intimate with actresses, openly lavishing money and jewelry upon them; he drove about with four horses, and bet heavily on every race.  Never had he been so exacting and exorbitant in his demands for money; Mme. Fauvel had the greatest difficulty in supplying his wants.