It should be added that Denis'
entry into the establishment offered a convenient solution with regard to
the large sum of money lent to Beauchene, which, it had been arranged,
should be reimbursed by a sixth share in the factory. That money came
from the family, and one brother simply took the place of the other,
signing the agreement which the deceased would have signed. With a
delicate rectitude, however, Denis insisted that out of his share of the
profits an annuity should be assigned to Charlotte, his brother's widow.
Thus matters were settled in a week, in the manner that circumstances
logically demanded, and without possibility of discussion. Constance,
bewildered and overwhelmed, was not even able to struggle. Her husband
reduced her to silence by repeating: "What would you have me do? I must
have somebody to help me, and it is just as well to take Denis as a
stranger. Besides, if he worries me I will buy him out within a year and
give him his dismissal!"
At this Constance remained silent to avoid casting his ignominy in his
face, amid her despair at feeling the walls of the house crumble and
fall, bit by bit, upon her.
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