that is not fair."

"Oh, you are a tenant," said little Molineux, peremptorily, up in arms
for the principle. "You must pay the tax on doors and windows and your
share in all the other charges. If everything is clearly understood
there will be no difficulty. You must be doing well, monsieur; your
affairs are prospering?"

"Yes," said Birotteau. "But my motive is, I may say, something
different. I assemble my friends as much to celebrate the emancipation
of our territory as to commemorate my promotion to the order of the
Legion of honor--"

"Ah! ah!" said Molineux, "a recompense well-deserved!"

"Yes," said Birotteau, "possibly I showed myself worthy of that signal
and royal favor by my services on the Bench of commerce, and by
fighting for the Bourbons upon the steps of Saint-Roch on the 13th
Vendemiaire. These claims--"

"Are equal to those of our brave soldiers of the old army. The ribbon
is red, for it is dyed with their blood."

At these words, taken from the "Constitutionnel," Birotteau could not
keep from inviting little Molineux to the ball, who thanked him
profusely and felt like forgiving the disdainful look. The old man
conducted his new tenant as far as the landing, and overwhelmed him
with politeness. When Birotteau reached the middle of the Cour Batave
he gave Cayron a merry look.