de
Vandenesse seized a cross, sparkling on her neck, and directed his
attention to it by a swift smile, full of meaning. The brilliance of
the gem radiated even upon Raoul's forehead, and he replied with a
look of joy; he had understood.
"Is it nothing then, Eugenie," said the Countess, "thus to restore
life to the dead?"
"You have a chance yet with the Royal Humane Society," replied
Eugenie, with a smile."
"How wretched and depressed he looked when he came, and how happy he
will go away!"
At this moment du Tillet, coming up to Raoul with every mark of
friendliness, pressed his hand, and said:
"Well, old fellow, how are you?"
"As well as a man is likely to be who has just got the best possible
news of the election. I shall be successful," replied Raoul, radiant.
"Delighted," said du Tillet. "We shall want money for the paper."
"The money will be found," said Raoul.
"The devil is with these women!" exclaimed du Tillet, still
unconvinced by the words of Raoul, whom he had nicknamed Charnathan.
"What are you talking about?" said Raoul.
"My sister-in-law is there with my wife, and they are hatching
something together. You seem in high favor with the Countess; she is
bowing to you right across the house."
"Look," said Mme. du Tillet to her sister, "they told us wrong. See
how my husband fawns on M. Nathan, and it is he who they declared was
trying to get him put in prison!"
"And men call us slanderers!" cried the Countess.
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