And since you alone remain to me, you who know my
torments, you who have no daughter left you, pray for heaven's sake help
me and tell me the truth! In that wise I shall at least be able to defend
myself."
On hearing her speak of his daughter Morange also had begun to weep. And
now, therefore, she might question him, it was certain that he would
answer and tell her everything, overpowered as he was by the common grief
which she had evoked. Thus he informed her that an agreement was indeed
on the point of being signed by Blaise and Beauchene, only it was not
precisely a deed of partnership. Beauchene having drawn large sums from
the strong-box of the establishment for expenses which he could not
confess--a horrible story of blackmailing, so it was rumored--had been
obliged to make a confidant of Blaise, the trusty and active lieutenant
who managed the establishment. And he had even asked him to find somebody
willing to lend him some money. Thereupon the young man had offered it
himself; but doubtless it was his father, Mathieu Froment, who advanced
the cash, well pleased to invest it in the works in his son's name. And
now, with the view of putting everything in order, it had been resolved
that the property should be divided into six parts, and that one of these
parts or shares should be attributed to Blaise as reimbursement for the
loan.
Pages:
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535