"It's a fine thing to be generous, certainly, and we shouldn't regret the money we give to do good. Still, monsieur, it seems to me that three thousand francs is a good deal just at this time when our cash-box isn't very well supplied; you might have embarrassed yourself less by giving it in several instalments, and it would have amounted to the same thing." "I probably shall not come to the village again for a long while," said Auguste pensively. "Oh! that makes a difference, and I am wrong." XII INVESTMENTS AND INNOCENT GAMES.--THE PUNCH AND THE LAMP-POST On his return to Paris, Auguste found Monsieur Destival waiting for him at his rooms. The business agent shook hands effusively with his dear friend. "Dear Dalville, where in the deuce have you been?" said Destival, casting a glance out of the window, into the street, from time to time. "You have been waiting for me--I am very sorry." "Oh! there's no harm done. To be sure, I have a thousand and one places to go to; but my new horse is splendid. By George! he's an invaluable beast! Did you notice him at the door?" "No, I didn't pay any attention." "I have had my cabriolet repainted, and I have hired a negro groom. One must needs increase his household when his business is increasing. I have presented my wife with a cook, a _cordon-bleu_; you will have a chance to judge of her talent, for I want you to come to dinner to-morrow. There will be a few other people, all very rich. Not that I care for that; I am not like La Thomassinière, who is always dinning his fortune and his houses into your ears! It's all the more ridiculous to one who, like myself, knows about our dear speculator's origin; for to such a one his pretensions are simply laughable.--Did you notice my negro below?" "No, I didn't notice." "He's a well-built fellow, of magnificent color. I prefer a single negro to a lot of long-legged varlets who ruin a carriage.--By the way, my wife has a bone to pick with you, my friend; she says that you are neglecting her." "But I assure you----" "Oh! you never come to the house now! That is not kind! No more music, no more singing, no more theatre parties; you have deserted us, Dalville, and yet you must know that we are your true friends. But let's talk business a little. I have had your interests in mind; for although I don't see you, I think of you none the less." "You are too kind!"