"Would I have listened to him?--Come, uncle, you are so good to me! You overwhelm me with kindness. You give me an interest in your business. Will you do nothing for a man who is my friend? He was wild and dissipated in his youth; now he has reformed." "Where's the proof of it?" "Why, his most earnest desire is to find a place; and I assure you that he is capable of filling it." "I don't doubt that. The fellow is intelligent and talented, and has excellent manners when he chooses, but----" "But what?" "Well, he doesn't inspire me with confidence; and, to represent us, we must have a man of honor, above all things." "You have an erroneous opinion of Cherami. He may have borrowed money, have incurred debts which he hasn't paid, but solely from lack of means. In a word, he has been very unfortunate. Do you impute it to him as a crime that he has endured poverty cheerfully, and has had confidence in the future? Poor fellow! And I led him to hope for a favorable answer, and told him to come here for it to-morrow!" Monsieur Grandcourt made no reply; he seemed to be lost in thought. Gustave was distressed by the ill-success of his attempt. Suddenly his uncle exclaimed: "Did you say that Monsieur Cherami was to come here to see you to-morrow?" "Yes, uncle." "Where are you to meet him, in your room or your office?" "At my office." "Did you indicate to him exactly that he was to follow the corridor, then turn to the left?" "Yes, uncle." "At what time is he to be here?" "At noon. He will be prompt; he never fails to keep an appointment." "Very well; about two o'clock to-morrow, I will give you a definite answer on the subject of your protege." "And it will be favorable, will it not, uncle?" "I can't tell you yet. By the way, I shall be obliged to you if you will not be in your office at noon." "Not be there, uncle? But Cherami is coming!" "Don't be disturbed about that; that's my affair. Go to pass the morning with your fiancee." "Oh! I ask nothing better." "And return about two o'clock. I will tell you then my decision as to Monsieur Cherami." The clock had just struck twelve when Cherami entered the banking-house on the following day. He cherished no vain hopes; he did not anticipate a favorable reply; but, with his customary philosophy, he said to himself: "That won't prevent me from going to Gustave's wedding and enjoying myself." As he was perfectly familiar with the way to the offices, Cherami entered the vestibule on the street floor; at the right was a door leading to the general offices, and in front, the door of a long corridor on which several other doors opened. That was the corridor he was to take to reach Gustave's office. Cherami passed through the door and walked straight ahead. He had just passed Monsieur Grandcourt's private office, when his foot struck something of considerable size; he stooped, looked to see what it was, and picked up a portfolio.