"Yes, I admit that it is better not to think of the future when it is alarming, but when it may be happy and prosperous, if we choose to make it so, is it not well to open our eyes instead of closing them?" "Certainly." "So I repeat, that it depends entirely upon yourself to make our future both happy and prosperous." "You may consider it done, then. Only tell me how I am to do it." "I shall surprise you very much, I am sure, when I tell you that this M. Ramon with whom you have just spent several days, and whom you so cruelly misjudge, is an old friend of mine, and that the visit you just paid him was planned by him and me." "But the papers my employer--" "Your employer kindly consented to assist us by charging you with a pretended mission to Ramon." "But why was it considered necessary to resort to this trick?" "Ramon wished to see you and study you; in other words, to become thoroughly acquainted with you without your suspecting it, and I feel it my duty to tell you that he is delighted with you. I received a long letter from him this very morning, in which he speaks of you in the highest terms." "I regret that I am unable to return the compliment; but how can M. Ramon's good or bad opinion affect me?" "It does affect you very seriously, though, my dear boy, for the prosperous future of which I spoke is entirely dependent upon the opinion Ramon has of you." "You speak in enigmas, father." "Ramon, without being what is called rich, possesses a comfortable fortune, which, by reason of his wise economy, is increasing every day." "I can readily believe that, only what you call economy is contemptible stinginess, father." "Don't let us haggle about terms, my son. Call it parsimony or economy, or what you will, in consequence of it Ramon is sure to leave his daughter a handsome fortune, though he will give her nothing during his lifetime." "That does not surprise me in the least; but I really cannot imagine what you are driving at, father?" "I rather hesitate to tell you, because, however erroneous first impressions may be, they are very tenacious, and you have expressed yourself so harshly in relation to Mlle. Ramon--" "Miss Red Nose? On the contrary, I assure you that I have been extremely lenient." "Oh, you will get over your prejudice, I am sure. Believe me, Mlle. Ramon is one of those persons who have to be known to be appreciated. She is a young woman of remarkable strength of character as well as of the most exemplary piety. What more can one ask in the mother of a family?" "The mother of a family?" repeated Louis, who, though he was far from suspecting the danger that menaced him, began to be conscious of a vague uneasiness. "And what difference does it make to me whether Mlle. Ramon proves an admirable mother of a family or not?" "It is a matter of vital importance to you." "To me?" "Yes." "And why?" demanded Louis, anxiously.