If you hesitate--very good; that is saying you will be wholly mine, and I will have you!" He made so rapid a movement that Flavie, terrified, rose and moved away.
"Oh! my saint!" he cried, "at thy feet I fall--a miracle! God is for me, surely! A flash of light has come to me--an idea--suddenly! Oh, thanks, my good angel, my grand Saint-Theodose! thou hast saved me!" Flavie could not help admiring that chameleon being; one knee on the floor, his hands crossed on his breast, and his eyes raised to heaven in religious ecstasy, he recited a prayer; he was a fervent Catholic; he reverently crossed himself.

It was fine; like the vision of Saint-Jerome.
"Adieu!" he said, with a melancholy look and a moving tone of voice.
"Oh!" cried Flavie, "leave me this handkerchief." Theodose rushed away like one possessed, sprang into the street, and darted towards the Thuilliers', but turned, saw Flavie at her window, and made her a little sign of triumph.
"What a man!" she thought to herself.
"Dear, good friend," he said to Thuillier, in a calm and gentle, almost caressing voice, "we have fallen into the hands of atrocious scoundrels.
But I mean to read them a lesson." "What has happened ?" asked Brigitte.
"They want twenty-five thousand francs, and, in order to get the better of us, the notary, or his accomplices, have determined to bid in the property.

Thuillier, put five thousand francs in your pocket and come with me; I will secure that house to you.

I am making myself implacable enemies!" he cried; "they are seeking to destroy me morally.

But all I ask is that you will disregard their infamous calumnies and feel no change of heart to me.