At the same time his reviving thirst for charity had become keener than ever, and without listening to the Count, who was speaking very affectionately of his mother, he reflected as to how he might obtain Laveuve's admission to the Asylum from Fonsegue.

However, when the door of the mansion had closed behind them and they had taken a few steps along the street, it occurred to Pierre that a moment previously a sudden vision had met his gaze.

Had he not seen a workman carrying a tool-bag, standing and waiting on the foot pavement across the road, gazing at that monumental door, closed upon so much fabulous wealth--a workman in whom he fancied he had recognised Salvat, that hungry fellow who had gone off that morning in search of work?
At this thought Pierre hastily turned round.

Such wretchedness in face of so much affluence and enjoyment made him feel anxious.

But the workman, disturbed in his contemplation, and possibly fearing that he had been recognised, was going off with dragging step.