After these thoughts I dared not complain; they gave me courage to bear my trial to the end. As a matter of fact I could have shortened it. There are two or three restaurants where I am known, and where, when I was rich, I had often gone in without hesitation, though I had forgotten to bring my purse. I might have made some such pretext. Nor would it have been difficult for me to borrow a franc or two in Paris. But I recoiled from such expedients. They suggested poverty too plainly, and they came too near to trickery. That descent is swift and slippery for the poor, and I believe I would rather lose honesty itself than the delicacy which gives distinction to the commonplace virtue. I have seen too often with what facility this exquisite sentiment of honesty loses its bloom, even in the finest natures, not merely under the breath of misery, but at the slightest contact with privation. So I shall keep strict watch over myself. I shall be on my guard henceforth against even the most innocent compromise with conscience. When bad times come, do not accustom your soul to suppleness; it is only too prone to yield. Fatigue and cold drove me back about nine o’clock. The door of the _hôtel_ was open. Treading as lightly as a ghost, I had reached the staircase when the sound of a lively conversation came from the concierge’s room. They were talking about me, for at this very moment the tyrant of the house pronounced my name with unmistakable contempt. "Be good enough, Mme. Vauberger," said the concierge, "not to trouble me with your Maxime. Did I ruin your Maxime? Then what are you talking to me about? If he kills himself, they’ll bury him, won’t they?" "I tell you, Vauberger," his wife answered, "it would have made your heart bleed to see him drain his water-bottle. And if I believed you meant what you say in that offhand manner—just like an actor—’If he kills himself, they’ll bury him!’ I would—— But I know you don’t, because you’re a good sort, although you don’t like being upset. Fancy being without fire or bread! And that after being fed on dainties all your life, and wrapped up in furs like a little pet cat. It’s a shame and a disgrace. A nice sort of government yours is to allow such things!" "But it has nothing to do with the government," said M. Vauberger, reasonably enough. "And I’m sure you’re wrong; it’s not so bad as all that. He can’t be wanting bread; it’s impossible." "All right, Vauberger. I’ve more to tell you. I’ve followed him. I’ve watched him, and made Edouard watch him, too. Yes, I have. I’m certain he had no dinner yesterday, and no breakfast to-day; and as I’ve searched his pockets and all the drawers, and not found so much as a red cent, you may be sure he hasn’t had any dinner to-day, for he’s much too high and mighty to go and beg one." "Oh, is he? So much the worse for him. Poor people shouldn’t be proud," said the worthy concierge, true to the sentiments of his calling.