The marriage agreed upon, he turned his attention to the sale of the ground.

The owner of the Jas-Meiffren, desiring to enlarge his estate, had made him repeated offers.

A low, thin, party-wall alone separated the two estates.

Pierre speculated on the eagerness of his wealthy neighbour, who, to gratify his caprice, offered as much as fifty thousand francs for the land.

It was double its value.