第2章

AnastasiedeRestaudwasthewomanforwhomhehadsighed。Hehadcontrivedtowritehisnametwiceuponthelistofpartnersuponherfan，andhadsnatchedafewwordswithherduringthefirstquadrille。

“WhereshallImeetyouagain，Madame？“heaskedabruptly，andthetonesofhisvoicewerefullofthevehementenergythatwomenlikesowell。

“Oh，everywhere！“saidshe，“intheBois，attheBouffons，inmyownhouse。”

Withtheimpetuosityofhisadventuroussoutherntemper，hedidallhecouldtocultivateanacquaintancewiththislovelycountess，makingthebestofhisopportunitiesinthequadrilleandduringawaltzthatshegavehim。WhenhetoldherthathewasacousinofMme。deBeauseant’s，theCountess，whomhetookforagreatlady，askedhimtocallatherhouse，andafterherpartingsmile，Rastignacfeltconvincedthathemustmakethisvisit。Hewassoluckyastolightuponsomeonewhodidnotlaughathisignorance，afataldefectamongthegildedandinsolentyouthofthatperiod；thecoterieofMaulincourts，MaximesdeTrailles，deMarsays，Ronquerolles，Ajuda-Pintos，andVandenesseswhoshonethereinallthegloryofcoxcombryamongthebest-dressedwomenoffashioninParis——LadyBrandon，theDuchessedeLangeais，theComtessedeKergarouet，Mme。deSerizy，theDuchessedeCarigliano，theComtesseFerraud，Mme。deLanty，theMarquised’Aiglemont，Mme。Firmiani，theMarquisedeListomereandtheMarquised’Espard，theDuchessedeMaufrigneuseandtheGrandlieus。Luckily，therefore，forhim，thenovicehappenedupontheMarquisdeMontriveau，theloveroftheDuchessedeLangeais，ageneralassimpleasachild；fromhimRastignaclearnedthattheComtesselivedintheRueduHelder。

Ah，whatitistobeyoung，eagertoseetheworld，greedilyonthewatchforanychancethatbringsyounearerthewomanofyourdreams，andbeholdtwohousesopentheirdoorstoyou！TosetfootintheVicomtessedeBeauseant’shouseintheFaubourgSaint-Germain；tofallonyourkneesbeforeaComtessedeRestaudintheChausseed’Antin；tolookatoneglanceacrossavistaofParisdrawing-rooms，consciousthat，possessingsufficientgoodlooks，youmayhopetofindaidandprotectionthereinafeminineheart！Tofeelambitiousenoughtospurnthetight-ropeonwhichyoumustwalkwiththesteadyheadofanacrobatforwhomafallisimpossible，andtofindinacharmingwomanthebestofallbalancingpoles。

Hesattherewithhisthoughtsforawhile，Lawontheonehand，andPovertyontheother，beholdingaradiantvisionofawomanriseabovethedull，smoulderingfire。WhowouldnothavepausedandquestionedthefutureasEugenewasdoing？whowouldnothavepictureditfullofsuccess？Hiswonderingthoughtstookwings；

hewastransportedoutofthepresentintothatblissfulfuture；

hewassittingbyMme。deRestaud’sside，whenasortofsigh，likethegruntofanoverburdenedSt。Joseph，brokethesilenceofthenight。Itvibratedthroughthestudent，whotookthesoundforadeathgroan。Heopenedhisdoornoiselessly，wentoutuponthelanding，andsawathinstreakoflightunderFatherGoriot’sdoor。Eugenefearedthathisneighborhadbeentakenill；hewentoverandlookedthroughthekeyhole；theoldmanwasbusilyengagedinanoccupationsosingularandsosuspiciousthatRastignacthoughthewasonlydoingapieceofnecessaryservicetosocietytowatchtheself-styledvermicellimaker’snocturnalindustries。

Thetablewasupturned，andGoriothaddoubtlessinsomewaysecuredasilverplateandcuptothebarbeforeknottingathickroperoundthem；hewaspullingatthisropewithsuchenormousforcethattheywerebeingcrushedandtwistedoutofshape；toallappearancehemeanttoconverttherichlywroughtmetalintoingots。

“Peste！whataman！“saidRastignac，ashewatchedGoriot’smusculararms；therewasnotasoundintheroomwhiletheoldman，withtheaidoftherope，waskneadingthesilverlikedough。“Washethen，indeed，athief，orareceiverofstolengoods，whoaffectedimbecilityanddecrepitude，andlivedlikeabeggarthathemightcarryonhispursuitsthemoresecurely？“

Eugenestoodforamomentrevolvingthesequestions，thenhelookedagainthroughthekeyhole。

FatherGoriothadunwoundhiscoilofrope；hehadcoveredthetablewithablanket，andwasnowemployedinrollingtheflattenedmassofsilverintoabar，anoperationwhichheperformedwithmarvelousdexterity。

“Why，hemustbeasstrongasAugustus，KingofPoland！“saidEugenetohimselfwhenthebarwasnearlyfinished。

FatherGoriotlookedsadlyathishandiwork，tearsfellfromhiseyes，heblewoutthedipwhichhadservedhimforalightwhilehemanipulatedthesilver，andEugeneheardhimsighashelaydownagain。

“Heismad。”thoughtthestudent。

“Poorchild！“FatherGoriotsaidaloud。Rastignac，hearingthosewords，concludedtokeepsilence；hewouldnothastilycondemnhisneighbor。Hewasjustinthedoorwayofhisroomwhenastrangesoundfromthestaircasebelowreachedhisears；itmighthavebeenmadebytwomencomingupinlistslippers。Eugenelistened；twomentherecertainlywere，hecouldheartheirbreathing。Yettherehadbeennosoundofopeningthestreetdoor，nofootstepsinthepassage。Suddenly，too，hesawafaintgleamoflightonthesecondstory；itcamefromM。Vautrin’sroom。

“Thereareagoodmanymysterieshereforalodging-house！“hesaidtohimself。

Hewentpartofthewaydownstairsandlistenedagain。Therattleofgoldreachedhisears。Inanothermomentthelightwasputout，andagainhedistinctlyheardthebreathingoftwomen，butnosoundofadoorbeingopenedorshut。Thetwomenwentdownstairs，thefaintsoundsgrowingfainterastheywent。

“Whoisthere？“criedMme。Vauqueroutofherbedroomwindow。

“I，Mme。Vauquer。”answeredVautrin’sdeepbassvoice。“Iamcomingin。”

“Thatisodd！Christophedrewthebolts。”saidEugene，goingbacktohisroom。“Youhavetositupatnight，itseems，ifyoureallymeantoknowallthatisgoingonaboutyouinParis。”

Theseincidentsturnedhisthoughtfromhisambitiousdreams；hebetookhimselftohiswork，buthisthoughtwanderedbacktoFatherGoriot’ssuspiciousoccupation；Mme。deRestaud’sfaceswamagainandagainbeforehiseyeslikeavisionofabrilliantfuture；andatlasthelaydownandsleptwithclenchedfists。

Whenayoungmanmakesuphismindthathewillworkallnight，thechancesarethatseventimesoutoftenhewillsleeptillmorning。Suchvigilsdonotbeginbeforeweareturnedtwenty。

ThenextmorningPariswaswrappedinoneofthedensefogsthatthrowthemostpunctualpeopleoutintheircalculationsastothetime；eventhemostbusiness-likefolkfailtokeeptheirappointmentsinsuchweather，andordinarymortalswakeupatnoonandfancyitiseighto’clock。Onthismorningitwashalf-

pastnine，andMme。Vauquerstilllayabed。Christophewaslate，Sylviewaslate，butthetwosatcomfortablytakingtheircoffeeasusual。ItwasSylvie’scustomtotakethecreamoffthemilkdestinedfortheboarders’breakfastforherown，andtoboiltheremainderforsometime，sothatmadameshouldnotdiscoverthisillegalexaction。

“Sylvie。”saidChristophe，ashedippedapieceoftoastintothecoffee，“M。Vautrin，whoisnotsuchabadsort，allthesame，hadtwopeoplecometoseehimagainlastnight。Ifmadamesaysanything，mindyousaynothingaboutit。”

“Hashegivenyousomething？“

“Hegavemeafive-francpiecethismonth，whichisasgoodassaying，’Holdyourtongue。’“

“ExcepthimandMme。Couture，whodoesn’tlooktwiceateverypenny，there’snooneinthehousethatdoesn’ttrytogetbackwiththelefthandallthattheygivewiththerightatNewYear。”saidSylvie。

“And，afterall。”saidChristophe，“whatdotheygiveyou？A

miserablefive-francpiece。ThereisFatherGoriot，whohascleanedhisshoeshimselfthesetwoyearspast。ThereisthatoldbeggarPoiret，whogoeswithoutblackingaltogether；hewouldsoonerdrinkitthanputitonhisboots。Thenthereisthatwhipper-snapperofastudent，whogivesmeacoupleoffrancs，Twofrancswillnotpayformybrushes，andhesellshisoldclothes，andgetsmoreforthemthantheyareworth。Oh！they’reashabbylot！“

“Pooh！“saidSylvie，sippinghercoffee，“ourplacesarethebestintheQuarter，thatIknow。ButaboutthatgreatbigchapVautrin，Christophe；hasanyonetoldyouanythingabouthim？“

“Yes。Imetagentlemaninthestreetafewdaysago；hesaidtome，’There’sagentlemaninyourplace，isn’tthere？atallmanthatdyeshiswhiskers？’Itoldhim，’No，sir；theyaren’tdyed。

Agayfellowlikehimhasn’tthetimetodoit。’AndwhenItoldM。Vautrinaboutitafterwards，hesaid，’Quiteright，myboy。

Thatisthewaytoanswerthem。Thereisnothingmoreunpleasantthantohaveyourlittleweaknessesknown；itmightspoilmanyamatch。’“

“Well，andformypart。”saidSylvie，“amantriedtohumbugmeatthemarketwantingtoknowifIhadseenhimputonhisshirt。

Suchbosh！There。”shecried，interruptingherself，“that’saquartertotenstrikingattheVal-de-Grace，andnotasoulstirring！“

“Pooh！theyareallgoneout。Mme。Coutureandthegirlwentoutateighto’clocktotakethewaferatSaint-Etienne。FatherGoriotstartedoffsomewherewithaparcel，andthestudentwon’tbebackfromhislecturetillteno’clock。IsawthemgowhileI

wassweepingthestairs；FatherGoriotknockedupagainstme，andhisparcelwasashardasiron。Whatistheoldfellowupto，I

wonder？Heisasgoodasaplaythingfortherestofthem；theycanneverlethimalone；butheisagoodman，allthesame，andworthmorethanallofthemputtogether。Hedoesn’tgiveyoumuchhimself，buthesometimessendsyouwithamessagetoladieswhoforkoutfamoustips；theyaredressedgrandly，too。”

“Hisdaughters，ashecallsthem，eh？Thereareadozenofthem。”

“Ihaveneverbeentomorethantwo——thetwowhocamehere。”

“Thereismadamemovingoverhead；Ishallhavetogo，orshewillraiseafineracket。Justkeepaneyeonthemilk，Christophe；

don’tletthecatgetatit。”

Sylviewentuptohermistress’room。

“Sylvie！Howisthis？It’snearlyteno’clock，andyouletmesleeplikeadormouse！Suchathinghasneverhappenedbefore。”

“It’sthefog；itisthatthick，youcouldcutitwithaknife。”

“Buthowaboutbreakfast？“

“Bah！theboardersarepossessed，I’msure。Theyallclearedoutbeforetherewasawinkofdaylight。”

“Dospeakproperly，Sylvie。”Mme。Vauquerretorted；“sayablinkofdaylight。”

“Ah，well，madame，whicheveryouplease。Anyhow，youcanhavebreakfastatteno’clock。LaMichonnetteandPoirethaveneitherofthemstirred。Thereareonlythosetwoupstairs，andtheyaresleepinglikethelogstheyare。”

“But，Sylvie，youputtheirnamestogetherasif——“

“Asifwhat？“saidSylvie，burstingintoaguffaw。“Thetwoofthemmakeapair。”

“Itisastrangething，isn’tit，Sylvie，howM。VautringotinlastnightafterChristophehadboltedthedoor？“

“Notatall，madame。ChristopheheardM。Vautrin，andwentdownandundidthedoor。Andhereareyouimaginingthat——？“

“Givememybodice，andbequickandgetbreakfastready。Dishuptherestofthemuttonwiththepotatoes，andyoucanputthestewedpearsonthetable，thoseatfiveapenny。”

AfewmomentslaterMme。Vauquercamedown，justintimetoseethecatknockdownaplatethatcoveredabowlofmilk，andbegintolapinallhaste。

“Mistigris！“shecried。

Thecatfled，butpromptlyreturnedtorubagainstherankles。

“Oh！yes，youcanwheedle，youoldhypocrite！“shesaid。“Sylvie！

Sylvie！“

“Yes，madame；whatisit？“

“Justseewhatthecathasdone！“

“ItisallthatstupidChristophe’sfault。Itoldhimtostopandlaythetable。Whathasbecomeofhim？Don’tyouworry，madame；

FatherGoriotshallhaveit。Iwillfillitupwithwater，andhewon’tknowthedifference；henevernoticesanything，notevenwhatheeats。”

“Iwonderwheretheoldheathencanhavegone？“saidMme。

Vauquer，settingtheplatesroundthetable。

“Whoknows？Heisuptoallsortsoftricks。”

“Ihaveoversleptmyself。”saidMme。Vauquer。

“Butmadamelooksasfreshasarose，allthesame。”

Thedoorbellrangatthatmoment，andVautrincamethroughthesitting-room，singingloudly：

“’Tisthesameoldstoryeverywhere，Arovingheartandarovingglance……

“Oh！MammaVauquer！good-morning！“hecriedatthesightofhishostess，andheputhisarmgailyroundherwaist。

“There！havedone——“

“’Impertinence！’Sayit！“heanswered。“Come，sayit！Now，isn’tthatwhatyoureallymean？Stopabit，Iwillhelpyoutosetthetable。Ah！Iamaniceman，amInot？

“ForthelocksofbrownandthegoldenhairAsighinglover……

“Oh！Ihavejustseensomethingsofunny……ledbychance。”

“What？“askedthewidow。

“FatherGoriotinthegoldsmith’sshopintheRueDauphineathalf-pasteightthismorning。Theybuyoldspoonsandforksandgoldlacethere，andGoriotsoldapieceofsilverplateforagoodroundsum。Ithadbeentwistedoutofshapeveryneatlyforamanthat’snotusedtothetrade。”

“Really？Youdon’tsayso？“

“Yes。Oneofmyfriendsisexpatriatinghimself；IhadbeentoseehimoffonboardtheRoyalMailsteamer，andwascomingbackhere。IwaitedafterthattoseewhatFatherGoriotwoulddo；itisacomicalaffair。Hecamebacktothisquarteroftheworld，totheRuedesGres，andwentintoamoney-lender’shouse；

everybodyknowshim，Gobseck，astuck-uprascal，thatwouldmakedominoesoutofhisfather’sbones，aTurk，aheathen，anoldJew，aGreek；itwouldbeadifficultmattertorobHIM，forheputsallhiscoinintotheBank。”

“ThenwhatwasFatherGoriotdoingthere？“

“Doing？“saidVautrin。“Nothing；hewasbentonhisownundoing。

Heisasimpleton，stupidenoughtoruinhimselfbyrunningafter——“

“Thereheis！“criedSylvie。

“Christophe。”criedFatherGoriot’svoice，“comeupstairswithme。”

Christophewentup，andshortlyafterwardscamedownagain。

“Whereareyougoing？“Mme。Vauqueraskedofherservant。

“OutonanerrandforM。Goriot。”

“Whatmaythatbe？“saidVautrin，pouncingonaletterinChristophe’shand。“Mme。laComtesseAnastasiedeRestaud。”heread。“Whereareyougoingwithit？“headded，ashegavetheletterbacktoChristophe。

“TotheRueduHelder。Ihaveorderstogivethisintoherhandsmyself。”

“Whatisthereinsideit？“saidVautrin，holdingtheletteruptothelight。“Abanknote？No。”Hepeeredintotheenvelope。“A

receiptedaccount！“hecried。“Myword！’tisagallantolddotard。Offwithyou，oldchap。”hesaid，bringingdownahandonChristophe’shead，andspinningthemanroundlikeathimble；

“youwillhaveafamoustip。”

Bythistimethetablewasset。Sylviewasboilingthemilk，Mme。

VauquerwaslightingafireinthestovewithsomeassistancefromVautrin，whokepthummingtohimself：

“Thesameoldstoryeverywhere，Arovingheartandarovingglance。”

Wheneverythingwasready，Mme。CoutureandMlle。Taillefercamein。

“Wherehaveyoubeenthismorning，fairlady？“saidMme。Vauquer，turningtoMme。Couture。

“WehavejustbeentosayourprayersatSaint-EtienneduMont。

To-dayisthedaywhenwemustgotoseeM。Taillefer。Poorlittlething！Sheistremblinglikealeaf。”Mme。Couturewenton，assheseatedherselfbeforethefireandheldthesteamingsolesofherbootstotheblaze。

“Warmyourself，Victorine。”saidMme。Vauquer。

“Itisquiterightandproper，mademoiselle，topraytoHeaventosoftenyourfather’sheart。”saidVautrin，ashedrewachairnearertotheorphangirl；“butthatisnotenough。Whatyouwantisafriendwhowillgivethemonsterapieceofhismind；abarbarianthathasthreemillions(sotheysay)，andwillnotgiveyouadowry；andaprettygirlneedsadowrynowadays。”

“Poorchild！“saidMme。Vauquer。“Nevermind，mypet，yourwretchofafatherisgoingjustthewaytobringtroubleuponhimself。”

Victorine’seyesfilledwithtearsatthewords，andthewidowcheckedherselfatasignfromMme。Couture。

“Ifwecouldonlyseehim！“saidtheCommissary-General’swidow；

“ifIcouldspeaktohimmyselfandgivehimhiswife’slastletter！Ihaveneverdaredtoruntheriskofsendingitbypost；

heknewmyhandwriting——“

“’Ohwoman，persecutedandinjuredinnocent！’“exclaimedVautrin，breakinginuponher。“Sothatishowyouare，isit？Inafewdays’timeIwilllookintoyouraffairs，anditwillbeallright，youshallsee。”

“Oh！sir。”saidVictorine，withatearfulbuteagerglanceatVautrin，whoshowednosignofbeingtouchedbyit，“ifyouknowofanywayofcommunicatingwithmyfather，pleasebesureandtellhimthathisaffectionandmymother’shonoraremoretomethanallthemoneyintheworld。Ifyoucaninducehimtorelentalittletowardsme，IwillpraytoGodforyou。Youmaybesureofmygratitude——“

“Thesameoldstoryeverywhere。”sangVautrin，withasatiricalintonation。Atthisjuncture，Goriot，Mlle。Michonneau，andPoiretcamedownstairstogether；possiblythescentofthegravywhichSylviewasmakingtoservewiththemuttonhadannouncedbreakfast。Thesevenpeoplethusassembledbadeeachothergood-

morning，andtooktheirplacesatthetable；theclockstruckten，andthestudent’sfootstepwasheardoutside。

“Ah！hereyouare，M。Eugene。”saidSylvie；“everyoneisbreakfastingathometo-day。”

Thestudentexchangedgreetingswiththelodgers，andsatdownbesideGoriot。

“Ihavejustmetwithaqueeradventure。”hesaid，ashehelpedhimselfabundantlytothemutton，andcutasliceofbread，whichMme。Vauquer’seyesgaugedasusual。

“Anadventure？“queriedPoiret。

“Well，andwhatistheretoastonishyouinthat，oldboy？“

VautrinaskedofPoiret。“M。Eugeneiscutoutforthatkindofthing。”

Mlle。Tailleferstoleatimidglanceattheyoungstudent。

“Tellusaboutyouradventure！“demandedM。Vautrin。

“YesterdayeveningIwenttoaballgivenbyacousinofmine，theVicomtessedeBeauseant。Shehasamagnificenthouse；theroomsarehungwithsilk——inshort，itwasasplendidaffair，andIwasashappyasaking——“

“Fisher。”putinVautrin，interrupting。

“Whatdoyoumean，sir？“saidEugenesharply。

“Isaid’fisher，’becausekingfishersseeagooddealmorefunthankings。”

“Quitetrue；Iwouldmuchratherbethelittlecarelessbirdthanaking。”saidPoirettheditto-ist，“because——“

“Infact“——thelaw-studentcuthimshort——“Idancedwithoneofthehandsomestwomenintheroom，acharmingcountess，themostexquisitecreatureIhaveeverseen。Therewaspeachblossominherhair，andshehadtheloveliestbouquetofflowers——realflowers，thatscentedtheair——butthere！itisnousetryingtodescribeawomanglowingwiththedance。Yououghttohaveseenher！Well，andthismorningImetthisdivinecountessaboutnineo’clock，onfootintheRuedeGres。Oh！howmyheartbeat！

Ibegantothink——“

“Thatshewascominghere。”saidVautrin，withakeenlookatthestudent。“IexpectthatshewasgoingtocallonoldGobseck，amoney-lender。IfeveryouexploreaParisianwoman’sheart，youwillfindthemoney-lenderfirst，andtheloverafterwards。YourcountessiscalledAnastasiedeRestaud，andshelivesintheRueduHelder。”

ThestudentstaredhardatVautrin。FatherGoriotraisedhisheadatthewords，andgavethetwospeakersaglancesofullofintelligenceanduneasinessthatthelodgersbeheldhimwithastonishment。

“ThenChristophewastoolate，andshemusthavegonetohim！“

criedGoriot，withanguishinhisvoice。

“ItisjustasIguessed。”saidVautrin，leaningovertowhisperinMme。Vauquer’sear。

Goriotwentonwithhisbreakfast，butseemedunconsciousofwhathewasdoing。Hehadneverlookedmorestupidnormoretakenupwithhisownthoughtsthanhedidatthatmoment。

“Whothedevilcouldhavetoldyouhername，M。Vautrin？“askedEugene。

“Aha！thereyouare！“answeredVautrin。“OldFatherGoriotthereknewitquitewell！andwhyshouldInotknowittoo？“

“M。Goriot？“thestudentcried。

“Whatisit？“askedtheoldman。“Soshewasverybeautiful，wasshe，yesterdaynight？“

“Who？“

“Mme。deRestaud。”

“Lookattheoldwretch。”saidMme。Vauquer，speakingtoVautrin；

“howhiseyeslightup！“

“Thendoeshereallykeepher？“saidMlle。Michonneau，inawhispertothestudent。

“Oh！yes，shewastremendouslypretty。”Eugeneanswered。FatherGoriotwatchedhimwitheagereyes。“IfMme。deBeauseanthadnotbeenthere，mydivinecountesswouldhavebeenthequeenoftheball；noneoftheyoungermenhadeyesforanyoneelse。Iwasthetwelfthonherlist，andshedancedeveryquadrille。Theotherwomenwerefurious。Shemusthaveenjoyedherself，ifevercreaturedid！Itisatruesayingthatthereisnomorebeautifulsightthanafrigateinfullsail，agallopinghorse，orawomandancing。”

“Sothewheelturns。”saidVautrin；“yesterdaynightataduchess’ball，thismorninginamoney-lender’soffice，onthelowestrungoftheladder——justlikeaParisienne！Iftheirhusbandscannotaffordtopayfortheirfranticextravagance，theywillsellthemselves。Oriftheycannotdothat，theywilltearouttheirmothers’heartstofindsomethingtopayfortheirsplendor。Theywillturntheworldupsidedown。JustaParisiennethroughandthrough！“

FatherGoriot’sface，whichhadshoneatthestudent’swordslikethesunonabrightday，cloudedoverallatonceatthiscruelspeechofVautrin’s。

“Well。”saidMme。Vauquer，“butwhereisyouradventure？Didyouspeaktoher？Didyouaskherifshewantedtostudylaw？“

“Shedidnotseeme。”saidEugene。“ButonlythinkofmeetingoneoftheprettiestwomeninParisintheRuedesGresatnineo’clock！Shecouldnothavereachedhomeaftertheballtilltwoo’clockthismorning。Wasn’titqueer？ThereisnoplacelikeParisforthissortofadventures。”

“Pshaw！muchfunnierthingsthanTHAThappenhere！“exclaimedVautrin。

Mlle。Tailleferhadscarcelyheededthetalk，shewassoabsorbedbythethoughtofthenewattemptthatshewasabouttomake。

Mme。Couturemadeasignthatitwastimetogoupstairsanddress；thetwoladieswentout，andFatherGoriotfollowedtheirexample。

“Well，didyousee？“saidMme。Vauquer，addressingVautrinandtherestofthecircle。“Heisruininghimselfforthosewomen，thatisplain。”

“NothingwillevermakemebelievethatthatbeautifulComtessedeRestaudisanythingtoFatherGoriot。”criedthestudent。

“Well，andifyoudon’t。”brokeinVautrin，“wearenotsetonconvincingyou。YouaretooyoungtoknowParisthoroughlyyet；

lateronyouwillfindoutthattherearewhatwecallmenwithapassion——“

Mlle。MichonneaugaveVautrinaquickglanceatthesewords。Theyseemedtobelikethesoundofatrumpettoatrooper’shorse。

“Aha！“saidVautrin，stoppinginhisspeechtogiveherasearchingglance，“sowehavehadourlittleexperiences，havewe？“

Theoldmaidloweredhereyeslikeanunwhoseesastatue。

“Well。”hewenton，“whenfolkofthatkindgetanotionintotheirheads，theycannotdropit。Theymustdrinkthewaterfromsomeparticularspring——itisstagnantasoftenasnot；buttheywillselltheirwivesandfamilies，theywillselltheirownsoulstothedeviltogetit。Forsomethisspringisplay，orthestock-exchange，ormusic，oracollectionofpicturesorinsects；forothersitissomewomanwhocangivethemthedaintiestheylike。Youmightoffertheselastallthewomenonearth——theywouldturnuptheirnoses；theywillhavetheonlyonewhocangratifytheirpassion。Itoftenhappensthatthewomandoesnotcareforthematall，andtreatsthemcruelly；

theybuytheirmorselsofsatisfactionverydear；butnomatter，thefoolsarenevertiredofit；theywilltaketheirlastblankettothepawnbroker’stogivetheirlastfive-francpiecetoher。FatherGoriothereisoneofthatsort。Heisdiscreet，sotheCountessexploitshim——justthewayofthegayworld。Thepooroldfellowthinksofherandofnothingelse。Inallotherrespectsyouseeheisastupidanimal；butgethimonthatsubject，andhiseyessparklelikediamonds。Thatsecretisnotdifficulttoguess。Hetooksomeplatehimselfthismorningtothemelting-pot，andIsawhimatDaddyGobseck’sintheRuedesGres。Andnow，markwhatfollows——hecamebackhere，andgavealetterfortheComtessedeRestaudtothatnoodleofaChristophe，whoshowedustheaddress；therewasareceiptedbillinsideit。ItisclearthatitwasanurgentmatteriftheCountessalsowentherselftotheoldmoneylender。FatherGoriothasfinancedherhandsomely。Thereisnoneedtotackataletogether；thethingisself-evident。Sothatshowsyou，sirstudent，thatallthetimeyourCountesswassmiling，dancing，flirting，swayingherpeach-flowercrownedhead，withhergowngatheredintoherhand，herslipperswerepinchingher，astheysay；shewasthinkingofherprotestedbills，orherlover’sprotestedbills。”

“Youhavemademewildtoknowthetruth。”criedEugene；“IwillgotocallonMme。deRestaudto-morrow。”

“Yes。”echoedPoiret；“youmustgoandcallonMme。deRestaud。”

“AndperhapsyouwillfindFatherGoriotthere，whowilltakepaymentfortheassistancehepolitelyrendered。”

Eugenelookeddisgusted。“Why，then，thisParisofyoursisaslough。”

“Andanuncommonlyqueerslough，too。”repliedVautrin。“Themudsplashesyouasyoudrivethroughitinyourcarriage——youarearespectableperson；yougoafootandaresplashed——youareascoundrel。Youaresounluckyastowalkoffwithsomethingorotherbelongingtosomebodyelse，andtheyexhibityouasacuriosityinthePlaceduPalais-de-Justice；youstealamillion，andyouarepointedoutineverysalonasamodelofvirtue。Andyoupaythirtymillionsforthepoliceandthecourtsofjustice，forthemaintenanceoflawandorder！Aprettyslateofthingsitis！“

“What。”criedMme。Vauquer，“hasFatherGoriotreallymelteddownhissilverposset-dish？“

“Thereweretwoturtle-dovesonthelid，weretherenot？“askedEugene。

“Yes，thattherewere。”

“Then，washefondofit？“saidEugene。“Hecriedwhilehewasbreakingupthecupandplate。Ihappenedtoseehimbyaccident。”

“Itwasdeartohimashisownlife。”answeredthewidow。

“There！youseehowinfatuatedtheoldfellowis！“criedVautrin。

“Thewomanyondercancoaxthesouloutofhim“

Thestudentwentuptohisroom。Vautrinwentout，andafewmomentslaterMme。CoutureandVictorinedroveawayinacabwhichSylviehadcalledforthem。PoiretgavehisarmtoMlle。

Michonneau，andtheywenttogethertospendthetwosunniesthoursofthedayintheJardindesPlantes。

“Well，thosetwoareasgoodasmarried。”wastheportlySylvie’scomment。“Theyaregoingouttogetherto-dayforthefirsttime。

Theyaresuchacoupleofdrysticksthatiftheyhappentostrikeagainsteachothertheywilldrawsparkslikeflintandsteel。”

“KeepclearofMlle。Michonneau’sshawl，then，saidMme。Vauquer，laughing；“itwouldflareupliketinder。”

Atfouro’clockthatevening，whenGoriotcamein，hesaw，bythelightoftwosmokylamps，thatVictorine’seyeswerered。Mme。

VauquerwaslisteningtothehistoryofthevisitmadethatmorningtoM。Taillefer；ithadbeenmadeinvain。Tailleferwastiredoftheannualapplicationmadebyhisdaughterandherelderlyfriend；hegavethemapersonalinterviewinordertoarriveatanunderstandingwiththem。

“Mydearlady。”saidMme。Couture，addressingMme。Vauquer，“justimagineit；hedidnotevenaskVictorinetositdown，shewasstandingthewholetime。Hesaidtomequitecoolly，withoutputtinghimselfinapassion，thatwemightspareourselvesthetroubleofgoingthere；thattheyounglady(hewouldnotcallherhisdaughter)wasinjuringhercausebyimportuninghim(IMPORTUNING！onceayear，thewretch！)；thatasVictorine’smotherhadnothingwhenhemarriedher，Victorineoughtnottoexpectanythingfromhim；infact，hesaidthemostcruelthings，thatmadethepoorchildburstoutcrying。Thelittlethingthrewherselfatherfather’sfeetandspokeupbravely；shesaidthatsheonlyperseveredinhervisitsforhermother’ssake；thatshewouldobeyhimwithoutamurmur，butthatshebeggedhimtoreadherpoordeadmother’sfarewellletter。Shetookitupandgaveittohim，sayingthemostbeautifulthingsintheworld，mostbeautifullyexpressed；Idonotknowwhereshelearnedthem；Godmusthaveputthemintoherhead，forthepoorchildwasinspiredtospeaksonicelythatitmademecrylikeafooltohearhertalk。Andwhatdoyouthinkthemonsterwasdoingallthetime？

Cuttinghisnails！HetooktheletterthatpoorMme。Tailleferhadsoakedwithtears，andflungitontothechimney-piece。

’Thatisallright，’hesaid。Heheldouthishandstoraisehisdaughter，butshecoveredthemwithkisses，andhedrewthemawayagain。Scandalous，isn’tit？Andhisgreatboobyofasoncameinandtooknonoticeofhissister。”

“Whatinhumanwretchestheymustbe！“saidFatherGoriot。

“Andthentheybothwentoutoftheroom。”Mme。Couturewenton，withoutheedingtheworthyvermicellimaker’sexclamation；

“fatherandsonbowedtome，andaskedmetoexcusethemonaccountofurgentbusiness！Thatisthehistoryofourcall。

Well，hehasseenhisdaughteratanyrate。HowhecanrefusetoacknowledgeherIcannotthink，fortheyareasalikeastwopeas。”

Theboardersdroppedinoneafteranother，interchanginggreetingsandemptyjokesthatcertainclassesofParisiansregardashumorousandwitty。Dulnessistheirprevailingingredient，andthewholepointconsistsinmispronouncingawordoragesture。Thiskindofargotisalwayschanging。Theessenceofthejestconsistsinsomecatchwordsuggestedbyapoliticalevent，anincidentinthepolicecourts，astreetsong，orabitofburlesqueatsometheatre，andforgotteninamonth。Anythingandeverythingservestokeepupagameofbattledoreandshuttlecockwithwordsandideas。Thediorama，arecentinvention，whichcarriedanopticalillusionadegreefurtherthanpanoramas，hadgivenrisetoamaniaamongartstudentsforendingeverywordwithRAMA。TheMaisonVauquerhadcaughttheinfectionfromayoungartistamongtheboarders。

“Well，Monsieur-r-rPoiret。”saidtheemployefromtheMuseum，“howisyourhealth-orama？“Then，withoutwaitingforananswer，heturnedtoMme。CoutureandVictorinewitha“Ladies，youseemmelancholy。”

“Isdinnerready？“criedHoraceBianchon，amedicalstudent，andafriendofRastignac’s；“mystomachissinkingusqueadtalones。”

“Thereisanuncommonfrozeramaoutside。”saidVautrin。“Makeroomthere，FatherGoriot！Confoundit，yourfootcoversthewholefrontofthestove。”

“IllustriousM。Vautrin。”putinBianchon，“whydoyousayfrozerama？Itisincorrect；itshouldbefrozenrama。”

“No，itshouldn’t。”saidtheofficialfromtheMuseum；“frozeramaisrightbythesamerulethatyousay’Myfeetarefroze。’“

“Ah！ah！“

“HereishisExcellencytheMarquisdeRastignac，DoctoroftheLawofContraries。”criedBianchon，seizingEugenebythethroat，andalmostthrottlinghim。

“Hallothere！hallo！“

Mlle。Michonneaucamenoiselesslyin，bowedtotherestoftheparty，andtookherplacebesidethethreewomenwithoutsayingaword。

“Thatoldbatalwaysmakesmeshudder。”saidBianchoninalowvoice，indicatingMlle。MichonneautoVautrin。“IhavestudiedGall’ssystem，andIamsureshehasthebumpofJudas。”

“Thenyouhaveseenacasebefore？“saidVautrin。

“Whohasnot？“answeredBianchon。“Uponmyword，thatghastlyoldmaidlooksjustlikeoneofthelongwormsthatwillgnawabeamthrough，givethemtimeenough。”

“Thatistheway，youngman。”returnedheofthefortyyearsandthedyedwhiskers：

“Therosehaslivedthelifeofarose——

Amorning’sspace。”

“Aha！hereisamagnificentsoupe-au-rama。”criedPoiretasChristophecameinbearingthesoupwithcautiousheed。

“Ibegyourpardon，sir。”saidMme。Vauquer；“itissoupeauxchoux。”

Alltheyoungmenroaredwithlaughter。

“Hadyouthere，Poiret！“

“Poir-r-r-rette！shehadyouthere！“

“ScoretwopointstoMammaVauquer。”saidVautrin。

“Didanyofyounoticethefogthismorning？“askedtheofficial。

“Itwasafranticfog。”saidBianchon，“afogunparalleled，doleful，melancholy，sea-green，asthmatical——aGoriotofafog！“

“AGoriorama。”saidtheartstudent，“becauseyoucouldn’tseeathinginit。”

“Hey！MilordGaoriotte，theyairtalkingaboutyoo-o-ou！“

FatherGoriot，seatedatthelowerendofthetable，closetothedoorthroughwhichtheservantentered，raisedhisface；hehadsmeltatascrapofbreadthatlayunderhistablenapkin，anoldtrickacquiredinhiscommercialcapacity，thatstillshoweditselfattimes。

“Well。”MadameVauquercriedinsharptones，thatrangabovetherattleofspoonsandplatesandthesoundofothervoices，“andisthereanythingthematterwiththebread？“

“Nothingwhatever，madame。”heanswered；“onthecontrary，itismadeofthebestqualityofcorn；flourfromEtampes。”

“Howcouldyoutell？“askedEugene。

“Bythecolor，bytheflavor。”

“Youknewtheflavorbythesmell，Isuppose。”saidMme。Vauquer。

“Youhavegrownsoeconomical，youwillfindouthowtoliveonthesmellofcookingatlast。”

“Takeoutapatentforit，then。”criedtheMuseumofficial；“youwouldmakeahandsomefortune。”

“Nevermindhim。”saidtheartist；“hedoesthatsortofthingtodeludeusintothinkingthathewasavermicellimaker。”

“Yournoseisacorn-sampler，itappears？“inquiredtheofficial。

“CornWHAT？“askedBianchon。

“Corn-el。”

“Corn-et。”

“Corn-elian。”

“Corn-ice。”

“Corn-ucopia。”

“Corn-crake。”

“Corn-cockle。”

“Corn-orama。”

Theeightresponsescamelikearollingfirefromeverypartoftheroom，andthelaughterthatfollowedwasthemoreuproariousbecausepoorFatherGoriotstaredattheotherswithapuzzledlook，likeaforeignertryingtocatchthemeaningofwordsinalanguagewhichhedoesnotunderstand。

“Corn？……”hesaid，turningtoVautrin，hisnextneighbor。

“Cornonyourfoot，oldman！“saidVautrin，andhedroveFatherGoriot’scapdownoverhiseyesbyablowonthecrown。

Thepooroldmanthussuddenlyattackedwasforamomenttoobewilderedtodoanything。Christophecarriedoffhisplate，thinkingthathehadfinishedhissoup，sothatwhenGoriothadpushedbackhiscapfromhiseyeshisspoonencounteredthetable。Everyoneburstoutlaughing。“Youareadisagreeablejoker，sir。”saidtheoldman，“andifyoutakeanyfurtherlibertieswithme——“

“Well，whatthen，oldboy？“Vautrininterrupted。

“Well，then，youshallpaydearlyforitsomeday——“

“Downbelow，eh？“saidtheartist，“inthelittledarkcornerwheretheyputnaughtyboys。”

“Well，mademoiselle。”Vautrinsaid，turningtoVictorine，“youareeatingnothing。Sopapawasrefractory，washe？“

“Amonster！“saidMme。Couture。

“Mademoisellemightmakeapplicationforalimentpendinghersuit；sheisnoteatinganything。Eh！eh！justseehowFatherGoriotisstaringatMlle。Victorine。”

Theoldmanhadforgottenhisdinner，hewassoabsorbedingazingatthepoorgirl；thesorrowinherfacewasunmistakable，——theslightedloveofachildwhosefatherwouldnotrecognizeher。

“WearemistakenaboutFatherGoriot，mydearboy。”saidEugeneinalowvoice。“Heisnotanidiot，norwantinginenergy。TryyourGallsystemonhim，andletmeknowwhatyouthink。Isawhimcrushasilverdishlastnightasifithadbeenmadeofwax；

thereseemstobesomethingextra-ordinarygoingoninhismindjustnow，tojudgebyhisface。Hislifeissomysteriousthatitmustbeworthstudying。Oh！youmaylaugh，Bianchon；Iamnotjoking。”

“Themanisasubject，ishe？“saidBianchon；“allright！Iwilldissecthim，ifhewillgivemethechance。”

“No；feelhisbumps。”

“Hm！——hisstupiditymightperhapsbecontagious。”

ThenextdayRastignacdressedhimselfveryelegantly，andaboutthreeo’clockintheafternoonwenttocallonMme。deRestaud。

Onthewaythitherheindulgedinthewildintoxicatingdreamswhichfillayoungheadsofullofdeliciousexcitement。Youngmenathisagetakenoaccountofobstaclesnorofdangers；theyseesuccessineverydirection；imaginationhasfreeplay，andturnstheirlivesintoaromance；theyaresaddenedordiscouragedbythecollapseofoneofthevisionaryschemesthathavenoexistencesaveintheirheatedfancy。Ifyouthwerenotignorantandtimid，civilizationwouldbeimpossible。

Eugenetookunheard-ofpainstokeephimselfinaspotlesscondition，butonhiswaythroughthestreetshebegantothinkaboutMme。deRestaudandwhatheshouldsaytoher。Heequippedhimselfwithwit，rehearsedreparteesinthecourseofanimaginaryconversation，andpreparedcertainneatspeechesalaTalleyrand，conjuringupaseriesofsmalleventswhichshouldpreparethewayforthedeclarationonwhichhehadbasedhisfuture；andduringthesemusingsthelawstudentwasbespatteredwithmud，andbythetimehereachedthePalaisRoyalhewasobligedtohavehisbootsblackedandhistrousersbrushed。

“IfIwererich。”hesaid，ashechangedthefive-francpiecehehadbroughtwithhimincaseanythingmighthappen，“Iwouldtakeacab，thenIcouldthinkatmyease。”

AtlasthereachedtheRueduHelder，andaskedfortheComtessedeRestaud。Heborethecontemptuousglancesoftheservants，whohadseenhimcrossthecourtonfoot，withthecoldfuryofamanwhoknowsthathewillsucceedsomeday。Heunderstoodthemeaningoftheirglancesatonce，forhehadfelthisinferiorityassoonasheenteredthecourt，whereasmartcabwaswaiting。

AllthedelightsoflifeinParisseemedtobeimpliedbythisvisibleandmanifestsignofluxuryandextravagance。Afinehorse，inmagnificentharness，waspawingtheground，andallatoncethelawstudentfeltoutofhumorwithhimself。Everycompartmentinhisbrainwhichhehadthoughttofindsofullofwitwasboltedfast；hegrewpositivelystupid。HesentuphisnametotheCountess，andwaitedintheante-chamber，standingononefootbeforeawindowthatlookedoutuponthecourt；

mechanicallyheleanedhiselbowagainstthesash，andstaredbeforehim。Thetimeseemedlong；hewouldhaveleftthehousebutforthesoutherntenacityofpurposewhichworksmiracleswhenitissingle-minded。

“Madameisinherboudoir，andcannotseeanyoneatpresent，sir。”saidtheservant。“Shegavemenoanswer；butifyouwillgointothedining-room，thereissomeonealreadythere。”

Rastignacwasimpressedwithasenseoftheformidablepowerofthelackeywhocanaccuseorcondemnhismastersbyaword；hecoollyopenedthedoorbywhichthemanhadjustenteredtheante-chamber，meaning，nodoubt，toshowtheseinsolentflunkeysthathewasfamiliarwiththehouse；buthefoundthathehadthoughtlesslyprecipitatedhimselfintoasmallroomfullofdressers，wherelampswerestanding，andhot-waterpipes，onwhichtowelswerebeingdried；adarkpassageandabackstaircaselaybeyondit。Stifledlaughterfromtheante-chamberaddedtohisconfusion。

“Thiswaytothedrawing-room，sir。”saidtheservant，withtheexaggeratedrespectwhichseemedtobeonemorejestathisexpense。

Eugeneturnedsoquicklythathestumbledagainstabath。Bygoodluck，hemanagedtokeephishatonhishead，andsaveditfromimmersioninthewater；butjustasheturned，adooropenedatthefurtherendofthedarkpassage，dimlylightedbyasmalllamp。Rastignacheardvoicesandthesoundofakiss；oneofthespeakerswasMme。deRestaud，theotherwasFatherGoriot。Eugenefollowedtheservantthroughthedining-roomintothedrawing-

room；hewenttoawindowthatlookedoutintothecourtyard，andstoodthereforawhile。HemeanttoknowwhetherthisGoriotwasreallytheGoriotthatheknew。Hisheartbeatunwontedlyfast；

herememberedVautrin’shideousinsinuations。Awell-dressedyoungmansuddenlyemergedfromtheroomalmostasEugeneenteredit，sayingimpatientlytotheservantwhostoodatthedoor：“I

amgoing，Maurice。TellMadamelaComtessethatIwaitedmorethanhalfanhourforher。”

Whereuponthisinsolentbeing，who，doubtless，hadarighttobeinsolent，sanganItaliantrill，andwenttowardsthewindowwhereEugenewasstanding，movedtheretoquiteasmuchbyadesiretoseethestudent’sfaceasbyawishtolookoutintothecourtyard。

“ButM。leComtehadbetterwaitamomentlonger；madameisdisengaged。”saidMaurice，ashereturnedtotheante-chamber。

JustatthatmomentFatherGoriotappearedclosetothegate；hehademergedfromadooratthefootofthebackstaircase。Theworthysoulwaspreparingtoopenhisumbrellaregardlessofthefactthatthegreatgatehadopenedtoadmitatilbury，inwhichayoungmanwitharibbonathisbutton-holewasseated。FatherGoriothadscarcelytimetostartbackandsavehimself。Thehorsetookfrightattheumbrella，swerved，anddashedforwardtowardstheflightofsteps。Theyoungmanlookedroundinannoyance，sawFatherGoriot，andgreetedhimashewentoutwithconstrainedcourtesy，suchaspeopleusuallyshowtoamoney-

lendersolongastheyrequirehisservices，orthesortofrespecttheyfeelitnecessarytoshowforsomeonewhosereputationhasbeenblownupon，sothattheyblushtoacknowledgehisacquaintance。FatherGoriotgavehimalittlefriendlynodandagood-naturedsmile。Allthishappenedwithlightningspeed。

EugenewassodeeplyinterestedthatheforgotthathewasnotalonetillhesuddenlyheardtheCountess’voice。

“Oh！Maxime，wereyougoingaway？“shesaidreproachfully，withashadeofpiqueinhermanner。TheCountesshadnotseentheincidentnortheentranceofthetilbury。Rastignacturnedabruptlyandsawherstandingbeforehim，coquettishlydressedinaloosewhitecashmeregownwithknotsofrose-coloredribbonhereandthere；herhairwascarelesslycoiledaboutherhead，asisthewontofParisianwomeninthemorning；therewasasoftfragranceabouther——doubtlessshewasfreshfromabath；——hergracefulformseemedmoreflexible，herbeautymoreluxuriant。

Hereyesglistened。Ayoungmancanseeeverythingataglance；

hefeelstheradiantinfluenceofwomanasaplantdiscernsandabsorbsitsnutrimentfromtheair；hedidnotneedtotouchherhandstofeeltheircoolfreshness。Hesawfaintrosetintsthroughthecashmereofthedressinggown；ithadfallenslightlyopen，givingglimpsesofabarethroat，onwhichthestudent’seyesrested。TheCountesshadnoneedoftheadventitiousaidofcorsets；hergirdledefinedtheoutlinesofherslenderwaist；

herthroatwasachallengetolove；herfeet，thrustintoslippers，weredaintilysmall。AsMaximetookherhandandkissedit，EugenebecameawareofMaxime’sexistence，andtheCountesssawEugene。

“Oh！isthatyouM。deRastignac？Iamverygladtoseeyou。”shesaid，buttherewassomethinginhermannerthatashrewdobserverwouldhavetakenasahinttodepart。

Maxime，astheCountessAnastasiehadcalledtheyoungmanwiththehaughtyinsolenceofbearing，lookedfromEugenetothelady，andfromtheladytoEugene；itwassufficientlyevidentthathewishedtoberidofthelatter。Anexactandfaithfulrenderingoftheglancemightbegiveninthewords：“Lookhere，mydear；I

hopeyouintendtosendthislittlewhipper-snapperabouthisbusiness。”

TheCountessconsultedtheyoungman’sfacewithanintentsubmissivenessthatbetraysallthesecretsofawoman’sheart，andRastignacallatoncebegantohatehimviolently。Tobeginwith，thesightofthefaircarefullyarrangedcurlsontheother’scomelyheadhadconvincedhimthathisowncropwashideous；Maxime’sboots，moreover，wereelegantandspotless，whilehisown，inspiteofallhiscare，boresometracesofhisrecentwalk；and，finally，Maxime’sovercoatfittedtheoutlineofhisfiguregracefully，helookedlikeaprettywoman，whileEugenewaswearingablackcoatathalf-pasttwo。Thequick-

wittedchildoftheCharentefeltthedisadvantageatwhichhewasplacedbesidethistall，slenderdandy，withthecleargazeandthepaleface，oneofthosemenwhowouldruinorphanchildrenwithoutscruple。Mme。deRestaudfledintothenextroomwithoutwaitingforEugenetospeak；shakingouttheskirtsofherdressing-gowninherflight，sothatshelookedlikeawhitebutterfly，andMaximehurriedafterher。Eugene，inafury，followedMaximeandtheCountess，andthethreestoodoncemorefacetofacebythehearthinthelargedrawing-room。ThelawstudentfeltquitesurethattheodiousMaximefoundhimintheway，andevenattheriskofdispleasingMme。deRestaud，hemeanttoannoythedandy。IthadstruckhimallatoncethathehadseentheyoungmanbeforeatMme。deBeauseant’sball；heguessedtherelationbetweenMaximeandMme。deRestaud；andwiththeyouthfulaudacitythatcommitsprodigiousblundersorachievessignalsuccess，hesaidtohimself，“Thisismyrival；I

meantocuthimout。”

Rashresolve！HedidnotknowthatM。leComteMaximedeTrailleswouldwaittillhewasinsulted，soastofirefirstandkillhisman。Eugenewasasportsmanandagoodshot，buthehadnotyethitthebulls’seyetwentytimesoutoftwenty-two。TheyoungCountdroppedintoalowchairbythehearth，tookupthetongs，andmadeupthefiresoviolentlyandsosulkily，thatAnastasie’sfairfacesuddenlycloudedover。SheturnedtoEugene，withacool，questioningglancethataskedplainly，“Whydoyounotgo？“aglancewhichwell-bredpeopleregardasacuetomaketheirexit。

Eugeneassumedanamiableexpression。

“Madame。”hebegan，“Ihastenedtocalluponyou——“

Hestoppedshort。Thedooropened，andtheownerofthetilburysuddenlyappeared。Hehadlefthishatoutside，anddidnotgreettheCountess；helookedmeditativelyatRastignac，andheldouthishandtoMaximewithacordial“Goodmorning。”thatastonishedEugenenotalittle。Theyoungprovincialdidnotunderstandtheamenitiesofatriplealliance。

“M。deRestaud。”saidtheCountess，introducingherhusbandtothelawstudent。

Eugenebowedprofoundly。

“Thisgentleman。”shecontinued，presentingEugenetoherhusband，“isM。deRastignac；heisrelatedtoMme。laVicomtessedeBeauseantthroughtheMarcillacs；Ihadthepleasureofmeetinghimatherlastball。”

RelatedtoMme。laVicomtessedeBeauseantthroughtheMarcillacs！Thesewords，onwhichthecountessthreweversoslightanemphasis，byreasonofthepridethatthemistressofahousetakesinshowingthatsheonlyreceivespeopleofdistinctionasvisitorsinherhouse，producedamagicaleffect。

TheCount’sstiffmannerrelaxedatonceashereturnedthestudent’sbow。

“Delightedtohaveanopportunityofmakingyouracquaintance。”

hesaid。

MaximedeTrailleshimselfgaveEugeneanuneasyglance，andsuddenlydroppedhisinsolentmanner。Themightynamehadallthepowerofafairy’swand；thoseclosedcompartmentsinthesouthernbrainflewopenagain；Rastignac’scarefullydrilledfacultiesreturned。ItwasasifasuddenlighthadpiercedtheobscurityofthisupperworldofParis，andhebegantosee，thougheverythingwasindistinctasyet。Mme。Vauquer’slodging-

houseandFatherGoriotwereveryfarremotefromhisthoughts。

“IthoughtthattheMarcillacswereextinct。”theComtedeRestaudsaid，addressingEugene。

“Yes，theyareextinct。”answeredthelawstudent。“Mygreat-

uncle，theChevalierdeRastignac，marriedtheheiressoftheMarcillacfamily。Theyhadonlyonedaughter，whomarriedtheMarechaldeClarimbault，Mme。deBeauseant’sgrandfatheronthemother’sside。Wearetheyoungerbranchofthefamily，andtheyoungerbranchisallthepoorerbecausemygreat-uncle，theVice-Admiral，lostallthathehadintheKing’sservice。TheGovernmentduringtheRevolutionrefusedtoadmitourclaimswhentheCompagniedesIndeswasliquidated。”

“Wasnotyourgreat-uncleincommandoftheVengeurbefore1789？“

“Yes。”

“Thenhewouldbeacquaintedwithmygrandfather，whocommandedtheWarwick。”

MaximelookedatMme。deRestaudandshruggedhisshoulders，aswhoshouldsay，“Ifheisgoingtodiscussnauticalmatterswiththatfellow，itisalloverwithus。”AnastasieunderstoodtheglancethatM。deTraillesgaveher。Withawoman’sadmirabletact，shebegantosmileandsaid：

“Comewithme，Maxime；Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou。WewillleaveyoutwogentlementosailincompanyonboardtheWarwickandtheVengeur。”

SherosetoherfeetandsignedtoMaximetofollowher，mirthandmischiefinherwholeattitude，andthetwowentinthedirectionoftheboudoir。Themorganaticcouple(touseaconvenientGermanexpressionwhichhasnoexactequivalent)hadreachedthedoor，whentheCountinterruptedhimselfinhistalkwithEugene。

“Anastasie！“hecriedpettishly，“juststayamoment，dear；youknowverywellthat——“

“Iamcomingbackinaminute。”sheinterrupted；“IhaveacommissionforMaximetoexecute，andIwanttotellhimaboutit。”

Shecamebackalmostimmediately。Shehadnoticedtheinflectioninherhusband’svoice，andknewthatitwouldnotbesafetoretiretotheboudoir；likeallwomenwhoarecompelledtostudytheirhusbands’charactersinordertohavetheirownway，andwhosebusinessitistoknowexactlyhowfartheycangowithoutendangeringagoodunderstanding，shewasverycarefultoavoidpettycollisionsindomesticlife。ItwasEugenewhohadbroughtaboutthisuntowardincident；sotheCountesslookedatMaximeandindicatedthelawstudentwithanairofexasperation。M。deTraillesaddressedtheCount，theCountess，andEugenewiththepointedremark，“Youarebusy，Idonotwanttointerruptyou；

good-day。”andhewent。

“Justwaitamoment，Maxime！“theCountcalledafterhim。

“Comeanddinewithus。”saidtheCountess，leavingEugeneandherhusbandtogetheroncemore。ShefollowedMaximeintothelittledrawing-room，wheretheysattogethersufficientlylongtofeelsurethatRastignachadtakenhisleave。

Thelawstudentheardtheirlaughter，andtheirvoices，andthepausesintheirtalk；hegrewmalicious，exertedhisconversationalpowersforM。deRestaud，flatteredhim，anddrewhimintodiscussions，totheendthathemightseetheCountessagainanddiscoverthenatureofherrelationswithFatherGoriot。ThisCountesswithahusbandandalover，forMaximeclearlywasherlover，wasamystery。Whatwasthesecrettiethatboundhertotheoldtradesman？Thismysteryhemeanttopenetrate，hopingbyitsmeanstogainasovereignascendencyoverthisfairtypicalParisian。

“Anastasie！“theCountcalledagaintohiswife。

“PoorMaxime！“shesaid，addressingtheyoungman。“Come，wemustresignourselves。Thisevening——“

“Ihope，Nasie。”hesaidinherear，“thatyouwillgiveordersnottoadmitthatyoungster，whoseeyeslightuplikelivecoalswhenhelooksatyou。Hewillmakeyouadeclaration，andcompromiseyou，andthenyouwillcompelmetokillhim。”

“Areyoumad，Maxime？“shesaid。“Ayoungladofastudentis，onthecontrary，acapitallightning-conductor；isnotthatso？Ofcourse，ImeantomakeRestaudfuriouslyjealousofhim。”

Maximeburstoutlaughing，andwentout，followedbytheCountess，whostoodatthewindowtowatchhimintohiscarriage；

heshookhiswhip，andmadehishorseprance。Sheonlyreturnedwhenthegreatgatehadbeenclosedafterhim。

“Whatdoyouthink，dear？“criedtheCount，herhusband，“thisgentleman’sfamilyestateisnotfarfromVerteuil，ontheCharente；hisgreat-uncleandmygrandfatherwereacquainted。”

“Delightedtofindthatwehaveacquaintancesincommon。”saidtheCountess，withapreoccupiedmanner。

“Morethanyouthink。”saidEugene，inalowvoice。

“Whatdoyoumean？“sheaskedquickly。

“Why，onlyjustnow。”saidthestudent，“Isawagentlemangooutatthegate，FatherGoriot，mynextdoorneighborinthehousewhereIamlodging。”

Atthesoundofthisname，andtheprefixthatembellishedit，theCount，whowasstirringthefire，letthetongsfallasthoughtheyhadburnedhisfingers，androsetohisfeet。

“Sir。”hecried，“youmighthavecalledhim’MonsieurGoriot’！“

TheCountessturnedpaleatfirstatthesightofherhusband’svexation，thenshereddened；clearlyshewasembarrassed，heranswerwasmadeinatonethatshetriedtomakenatural，andwithanairofassumedcarelessness：

“Youcouldnotknowanyonewhoisdearertousboth……”

Shebrokeoff，glancedatthepianoasifsomefancyhadcrossedhermind，andasked，“Areyoufondofmusic，M。deRastignac？“

“Exceedingly。”answeredEugene，flushing，anddisconcertedbyadimsuspicionthathehadsomehowbeenguiltyofaclumsypieceoffolly。

“Doyousing？“shecried，goingtothepiano，and，sittingdownbeforeit，shesweptherfingersoverthekeyboardfromendtoend。R-r-r-rah！

“No，madame。”

TheComtedeRestaudwalkedtoandfro。

“Thatisapity；youarewithoutonegreatmeansofsuccess——Ca-

ro，ca-a-ro，ca-a-a-ro，nondu-bi-ta-re。”sangtheCountess。

EugenehadasecondtimewavedamagicwandwhenheutteredGoriot’sname，buttheeffectseemedtobeentirelyoppositetothatproducedbytheformula“relatedtoMme。deBeauseant。”Hispositionwasnotunlikethatofsomevisitorpermittedasafavortoinspectaprivatecollectionofcuriosities，whenbyinadvertencehecomesintocollisionwithaglasscasefullofsculpturedfigures，andthreeorfourheads，imperfectlysecured，fallattheshock。Hewishedtheearthwouldopenandswallowhim。Mme。deRestaud’sexpressionwasreservedandchilly，hereyeshadgrownindifferent，andsedulouslyavoidedmeetingthoseoftheunluckystudentoflaw。

“Madame。”hesaid，“youwishtotalkwithM。deRestaud；permitmetowishyougood-day——“

TheCountessinterruptedhimbyagesture，sayinghastily，“Wheneveryoucometoseeus，bothM。deRestaudandIshallbedelightedtoseeyou。”

Eugenemadeaprofoundbowandtookhisleave，followedbyM。deRestaud，whoinsisted，inspiteofhisremonstrances，onaccompanyinghimintothehall。

“NeitheryourmistressnorIareathometothatgentlemanwhenhecalls。”theCountsaidtoMaurice。

AsEugenesetfootonthesteps，hesawthatitwasraining。

“Come。”saidhetohimself，“somehowIhavejustmadeamessofit，Idonotknowhow。AndnowIamgoingtospoilmyhatandcoatintothebargain。Ioughttostopinmycorner，grindawayatlaw，andneverlooktobeanythingbutaboorishcountrymagistrate。HowcanIgointosociety，whentomanageproperlyyouwantalotofcabs，varnishedboots，goldwatchchains，andallsortsofthings；youhavetowearwhitedoeskinglovesthatcostsixfrancsinthemorning，andprimrosekidgloveseveryevening？AfigforthatoldhumbugofaGoriot！“

Whenhereachedthestreetdoor，thedriverofahackneycoach，whohadprobablyjustdepositedaweddingpartyattheirdoor，andaskednothingbetterthanachanceofmakingalittlemoneyforhimselfwithouthisemployer’sknowledge，sawthatEugenehadnoumbrella，remarkedhisblackcoat，whitewaistcoat，yellowgloves，andvarnishedboots，andstoppedandlookedathiminquiringly。Eugene，intheblinddesperationthatdrivesayoungmantoplungedeeperanddeeperintoanabyss，asifhemighthopetofindafortunateissueinitslowestdepths，noddedinreplytothedriver’ssignal，andsteppedintothecab；afewstraypetalsoforangeblossomandscrapsofwireborewitnesstoitsrecentoccupationbyaweddingparty。