I have considered the subject carefully; the profits are thirty per cent.

And if besides, there will be three of us to sell goods, for I shall confide one pack to my son, and another to Chanlouineau." "What! Chanlouineau ?" "He has become my partner in the enterprise." "And his farm--who will take care of that ?" "He will employ day-laborers." And then, as if wishing to make M.d'Escorval understand that his visit had lasted quite long enough, Lacheneur began arranging the little packages which were destined to fill the pack of the travelling merchant.
But the baron was not to be gotten rid of so easily, now that his suspicions had become almost a certainty.
"_I_ must speak with you," he said, brusquely.
M.Lacheneur turned.
"_I_ am very busy," he replied, with a very evident reluctance.
"_I_ ask only five minutes.

But if you have not the time to spare to-day, I will return to-morrow--day after to-morrow--and every day until I can see you in private." Lacheneur saw plainly that it would be impossible to escape this interview, so, with the gesture of a man who resigns himself to a necessity, addressing his son and Chanlouineau, he said: "Go outside for a few moments." They obeyed, and as soon as the door had closed behind them, Lacheneur said: "I know very well, Monsieur, the arguments you intend to advance; and the reason of your coming.

You come to ask me again for Marie-Anne.
I know that my refusal has nearly killed Maurice.

Believe me, I have suffered cruelly at the thought; but my refusal is none the less irrevocable.