After a lapse of twenty-three years, all the envy and hate he had felt toward Gaston, when they were boys together, revived.

“What do you think of my purchase?” asked Gaston, when the inspection was over.

“I think you possess, my dear brother, a most splendid piece of property, and on the loveliest spot in the world.  It is enough to excite the envy of any poor Parisian.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Certainly.”

“Then, my dear Louis,” said Gaston joyfully, “this property is yours, as well as mine.  You like this lovely Bearn more than the dusty streets of Paris?  I am very glad that you prefer the comforts of living on your own estate, to the glitter and show of a city life.  Everything you can possibly want is here, at your command.  And, to employ our time, there is the foundery.  Does my plan suit you?”

Louis was silent.  A year ago this proposal would have been eagerly welcomed.  How gladly he would have seized this offer of a comfortable, luxurious home, after having been buffeted about the world so long!  How delightful it would have been to turn over a new leaf, and become an honest man!

But he saw with disappointment and rage that he would now be compelled to decline it.

He was no longer free.  He could not leave Paris.

He had become entangled in one of those hazardous plots which are fatal if neglected, and whose failure generally leads the projector to the galleys.

Alone, he could easily remain where he was:  but he was trammelled with an accomplice.

“You do not answer me,” said Gaston with surprise; “are there any obstacles to my plans?”

“None.”

“What is the matter, then?”

“The matter is, my dear brother, that the salary of an office which I hold in Paris is all that I have to support me.”

“Is that your only objection?  Yet you just now wanted to pay me back half of the family inheritance!  Louis, that is unkind; you are not acting as a brother should.”

Louis hung his head.  Gaston was unconsciously telling the truth.

“I should be a burden to you, Gaston.”

“A burden!  Why, Louis, you must be mad!  Did I not tell you I am very rich?  Do you suppose that you have seen all I possess?  This house and the iron-works do not constitute a fourth of my fortune.  Do you think that I would have risked my twenty years’ savings in an experiment of this sort?  The forge may be a failure; and then what would become of me, if I had nothing else?

“I have invested money which yields me an income of eighty thousand francs.  Besides, my grants in Brazil have been sold, and my agent has already deposited four hundred thousand francs to my credit as part payment.”

Louis trembled with pleasure.  He was, at last, to know the extent of the danger hanging over him.  Gaston had finally broached the subject which had caused him so much anxiety, and he determined that it should now be explained before their conversation ended.