Then suddenly he pulled himself together and the tears began to run down his wrinkled cheeks. He brushed them aside quickly and touched the electric bell which communicated with Talouel's and his nephew's offices. The call was so imperative that they all ran to the office together. "You are there?" asked the blind man; "Talouel, Theodore and Casimir?" All three replied together. "I have just learned of the death of my son," said their employer. "Stop work in all the factories immediately. Tomorrow the funeral services will be held in the churches at Maraucourt, Saint-Pipoy and all the other villages." "Oh, uncle!" cried both the nephews. He stopped them with uplifted hand. "I wish to be alone ... leave me," was all he said. Everyone left the room but Perrine. She alone remained. "Aurelie, are you there?" asked the blind man. She replied with a sob. "Let us go home," he said. As was his habit, he placed his hand on her shoulder, and it was like this that they passed through the crowd of workers who streamed from the factory. As they stood aside for him to pass, all who saw him wondered if he would survive this blow. He, who usually walked so upright, was bent like a tree that the storm has broken. Could he survive this shock? Perrine asked herself this question with even greater agony, for it was she and she alone who knew how his great frame was trembling. His shaking hands grasped her shoulder convulsively, and without him uttering one word little Perrine knew how deeply her grandfather was smitten. After she had guided him into his study he sent her away. "Explain why I wish to be left alone. No one is to come in here. No one is to speak to me.... "And I refused to believe you," he murmured as she was leaving him. "Oh, please; if you will let me...." "Leave me," he said roughly. Perrine closed the door softly. CHAPTER XXVIII AN UNRESPECTED FUNERAL There was considerable bustle and excitement at the chateau all that evening. First M. and Mme. Stanislas Paindavoine, who had received a telegram from Theodore, arrived. Then M. and Mme. Bretoneux, sent for by Casimir, came. After that came Mme. Bretoneux's two daughters, their husbands and children. No one wished to miss the funeral service for poor dear Edmond. Besides, this was the decisive moment for clever manoeuvring. What a disaster if this big industry should fall into the hands of one so incapable as Theodore! What a misfortune if Casimir took charge! Neither side thought that a partnership could be possible, and the two cousins share alike. Each wanted all for himself. Both Mme. Bretoneux and Mme. Paindavoine had ignored Perrine since their arrival. They had given her to understand that they did not require her services any longer.