would have been amused. Well, anyhow, the lesson is a good one; and if
ever again I am caught bragging in a public coach--"

"It is a stupid thing to do," said Joseph Bridau.

"And common," added Mistigris. "'Vulgarity is the brother of
pretension.'"

While the matter of the sale was being settled between Monsieur
Margueron and the Comte de Serizy, assisted by their respective
notaries in presence of Monsieur de Reybert, the ex-steward walked
with slow steps to his own house. There he entered the salon and sat
down without noticing anything. Little Husson, who was present,
slipped into a corner, out of sight, so much did the livid face of his
mother's friend alarm him.

"Eh! my friend!" said Estelle, coming into the room, somewhat tired
with what she had been doing. "What is the matter?"

"My dear, we are lost,--lost beyond recovery. I am no longer steward
of Presles, no longer in the count's confidence."

"Why not?"

"Pere Leger, who was in Pierrotin's coach, told the count all about
the affair of Les Moulineaux. But that is not the thing that has cost
me his favor."

"What then?"