AnastasiedeRestaudwasthewomanforwhomhehadsighed。Hehadcontrivedtowritehisnametwiceuponthelistofpartnersuponherfan，andhadsnatchedafewwordswithherduringthefirstquadrille。
　　“WhereshallImeetyouagain，Madame？“heaskedabruptly，andthetonesofhisvoicewerefullofthevehementenergythatwomenlikesowell。
　　“Oh，everywhere！“saidshe，“intheBois，attheBouffons，inmyownhouse。”
　　Withtheimpetuosityofhisadventuroussoutherntemper，hedidallhecouldtocultivateanacquaintancewiththislovelycountess，makingthebestofhisopportunitiesinthequadrilleandduringawaltzthatshegavehim。WhenhetoldherthathewasacousinofMme。deBeauseant’s，theCountess，whomhetookforagreatlady，askedhimtocallatherhouse，andafterherpartingsmile，Rastignacfeltconvincedthathemustmakethisvisit。Hewassoluckyastolightuponsomeonewhodidnotlaughathisignorance，afataldefectamongthegildedandinsolentyouthofthatperiod；thecoterieofMaulincourts，MaximesdeTrailles，deMarsays，Ronquerolles，Ajuda-Pintos，andVandenesseswhoshonethereinallthegloryofcoxcombryamongthebest-dressedwomenoffashioninParis——LadyBrandon，theDuchessedeLangeais，theComtessedeKergarouet，Mme。deSerizy，theDuchessedeCarigliano，theComtesseFerraud，Mme。deLanty，theMarquised’Aiglemont，Mme。Firmiani，theMarquisedeListomereandtheMarquised’Espard，theDuchessedeMaufrigneuseandtheGrandlieus。Luckily，therefore，forhim，thenovicehappenedupontheMarquisdeMontriveau，theloveroftheDuchessedeLangeais，ageneralassimpleasachild；fromhimRastignaclearnedthattheComtesselivedintheRueduHelder。
　　Ah，whatitistobeyoung，eagertoseetheworld，greedilyonthewatchforanychancethatbringsyounearerthewomanofyourdreams，andbeholdtwohousesopentheirdoorstoyou！TosetfootintheVicomtessedeBeauseant’shouseintheFaubourgSaint-Germain；tofallonyourkneesbeforeaComtessedeRestaudintheChausseed’Antin；tolookatoneglanceacrossavistaofParisdrawing-rooms，consciousthat，possessingsufficientgoodlooks，youmayhopetofindaidandprotectionthereinafeminineheart！Tofeelambitiousenoughtospurnthetight-ropeonwhichyoumustwalkwiththesteadyheadofanacrobatforwhomafallisimpossible，andtofindinacharmingwomanthebestofallbalancingpoles。
　　Hesattherewithhisthoughtsforawhile，Lawontheonehand，andPovertyontheother，beholdingaradiantvisionofawomanriseabovethedull，smoulderingfire。WhowouldnothavepausedandquestionedthefutureasEugenewasdoing？whowouldnothavepictureditfullofsuccess？Hiswonderingthoughtstookwings；
　　hewastransportedoutofthepresentintothatblissfulfuture；
　　hewassittingbyMme。deRestaud’sside，whenasortofsigh，likethegruntofanoverburdenedSt。Joseph，brokethesilenceofthenight。Itvibratedthroughthestudent，whotookthesoundforadeathgroan。Heopenedhisdoornoiselessly，wentoutuponthelanding，andsawathinstreakoflightunderFatherGoriot’sdoor。Eugenefearedthathisneighborhadbeentakenill；hewentoverandlookedthroughthekeyhole；theoldmanwasbusilyengagedinanoccupationsosingularandsosuspiciousthatRastignacthoughthewasonlydoingapieceofnecessaryservicetosocietytowatchtheself-styledvermicellimaker’snocturnalindustries。
　　Thetablewasupturned，andGoriothaddoubtlessinsomewaysecuredasilverplateandcuptothebarbeforeknottingathickroperoundthem；hewaspullingatthisropewithsuchenormousforcethattheywerebeingcrushedandtwistedoutofshape；toallappearancehemeanttoconverttherichlywroughtmetalintoingots。
　　“Peste！whataman！“saidRastignac，ashewatchedGoriot’smusculararms；therewasnotasoundintheroomwhiletheoldman，withtheaidoftherope，waskneadingthesilverlikedough。“Washethen，indeed，athief，orareceiverofstolengoods，whoaffectedimbecilityanddecrepitude，andlivedlikeabeggarthathemightcarryonhispursuitsthemoresecurely？“
　　Eugenestoodforamomentrevolvingthesequestions，thenhelookedagainthroughthekeyhole。
　　FatherGoriothadunwoundhiscoilofrope；hehadcoveredthetablewithablanket，andwasnowemployedinrollingtheflattenedmassofsilverintoabar，anoperationwhichheperformedwithmarvelousdexterity。
　　“Why，hemustbeasstrongasAugustus，KingofPoland！“saidEugenetohimselfwhenthebarwasnearlyfinished。
　　FatherGoriotlookedsadlyathishandiwork，tearsfellfromhiseyes，heblewoutthedipwhichhadservedhimforalightwhilehemanipulatedthesilver，andEugeneheardhimsighashelaydownagain。
　　“Heismad。”thoughtthestudent。
　　“Poorchild！“FatherGoriotsaidaloud。Rastignac，hearingthosewords，concludedtokeepsilence；hewouldnothastilycondemnhisneighbor。Hewasjustinthedoorwayofhisroomwhenastrangesoundfromthestaircasebelowreachedhisears；itmighthavebeenmadebytwomencomingupinlistslippers。Eugenelistened；twomentherecertainlywere，hecouldheartheirbreathing。Yettherehadbeennosoundofopeningthestreetdoor，nofootstepsinthepassage。Suddenly，too，hesawafaintgleamoflightonthesecondstory；itcamefromM。Vautrin’sroom。
　　“Thereareagoodmanymysterieshereforalodging-house！“hesaidtohimself。
　　Hewentpartofthewaydownstairsandlistenedagain。Therattleofgoldreachedhisears。Inanothermomentthelightwasputout，andagainhedistinctlyheardthebreathingoftwomen，butnosoundofadoorbeingopenedorshut。Thetwomenwentdownstairs，thefaintsoundsgrowingfainterastheywent。
　　“Whoisthere？“criedMme。Vauqueroutofherbedroomwindow。
　　“I，Mme。Vauquer。”answeredVautrin’sdeepbassvoice。“Iamcomingin。”
　　“Thatisodd！Christophedrewthebolts。”saidEugene，goingbacktohisroom。“Youhavetositupatnight，itseems，ifyoureallymeantoknowallthatisgoingonaboutyouinParis。”
　　Theseincidentsturnedhisthoughtfromhisambitiousdreams；hebetookhimselftohiswork，buthisthoughtwanderedbacktoFatherGoriot’ssuspiciousoccupation；Mme。deRestaud’sfaceswamagainandagainbeforehiseyeslikeavisionofabrilliantfuture；andatlasthelaydownandsleptwithclenchedfists。
　　Whenayoungmanmakesuphismindthathewillworkallnight，thechancesarethatseventimesoutoftenhewillsleeptillmorning。Suchvigilsdonotbeginbeforeweareturnedtwenty。
　　ThenextmorningPariswaswrappedinoneofthedensefogsthatthrowthemostpunctualpeopleoutintheircalculationsastothetime；eventhemostbusiness-likefolkfailtokeeptheirappointmentsinsuchweather，andordinarymortalswakeupatnoonandfancyitiseighto’clock。Onthismorningitwashalf-
　　pastnine，andMme。Vauquerstilllayabed。Christophewaslate，Sylviewaslate，butthetwosatcomfortablytakingtheircoffeeasusual。ItwasSylvie’scustomtotakethecreamoffthemilkdestinedfortheboarders’breakfastforherown，andtoboiltheremainderforsometime，sothatmadameshouldnotdiscoverthisillegalexaction。
　　“Sylvie。”saidChristophe，ashedippedapieceoftoastintothecoffee，“M。Vautrin，whoisnotsuchabadsort，allthesame，hadtwopeoplecometoseehimagainlastnight。Ifmadamesaysanything，mindyousaynothingaboutit。”
　　“Hashegivenyousomething？“
　　“Hegavemeafive-francpiecethismonth，whichisasgoodassaying，’Holdyourtongue。’“
　　“ExcepthimandMme。Couture，whodoesn’tlooktwiceateverypenny，there’snooneinthehousethatdoesn’ttrytogetbackwiththelefthandallthattheygivewiththerightatNewYear。”saidSylvie。
　　“And，afterall。”saidChristophe，“whatdotheygiveyou？A
　　miserablefive-francpiece。ThereisFatherGoriot，whohascleanedhisshoeshimselfthesetwoyearspast。ThereisthatoldbeggarPoiret，whogoeswithoutblackingaltogether；hewouldsoonerdrinkitthanputitonhisboots。Thenthereisthatwhipper-snapperofastudent，whogivesmeacoupleoffrancs，Twofrancswillnotpayformybrushes，andhesellshisoldclothes，andgetsmoreforthemthantheyareworth。Oh！they’reashabbylot！“
　　“Pooh！“saidSylvie，sippinghercoffee，“ourplacesarethebestintheQuarter，thatIknow。ButaboutthatgreatbigchapVautrin，Christophe；hasanyonetoldyouanythingabouthim？“
　　“Yes。Imetagentlemaninthestreetafewdaysago；hesaidtome，’There’sagentlemaninyourplace，isn’tthere？atallmanthatdyeshiswhiskers？’Itoldhim，’No，sir；theyaren’tdyed。
　　Agayfellowlikehimhasn’tthetimetodoit。’AndwhenItoldM。Vautrinaboutitafterwards，hesaid，’Quiteright，myboy。
　　Thatisthewaytoanswerthem。Thereisnothingmoreunpleasantthantohaveyourlittleweaknessesknown；itmightspoilmanyamatch。’“
　　“Well，andformypart。”saidSylvie，“amantriedtohumbugmeatthemarketwantingtoknowifIhadseenhimputonhisshirt。
　　Suchbosh！There。”shecried，interruptingherself，“that’saquartertotenstrikingattheVal-de-Grace，andnotasoulstirring！“
　　“Pooh！theyareallgoneout。Mme。Coutureandthegirlwentoutateighto’clocktotakethewaferatSaint-Etienne。FatherGoriotstartedoffsomewherewithaparcel，andthestudentwon’tbebackfromhislecturetillteno’clock。IsawthemgowhileI
　　wassweepingthestairs；FatherGoriotknockedupagainstme，andhisparcelwasashardasiron。Whatistheoldfellowupto，I
　　wonder？Heisasgoodasaplaythingfortherestofthem；theycanneverlethimalone；butheisagoodman，allthesame，andworthmorethanallofthemputtogether。Hedoesn’tgiveyoumuchhimself，buthesometimessendsyouwithamessagetoladieswhoforkoutfamoustips；theyaredressedgrandly，too。”
　　“Hisdaughters，ashecallsthem，eh？Thereareadozenofthem。”
　　“Ihaveneverbeentomorethantwo——thetwowhocamehere。”
　　“Thereismadamemovingoverhead；Ishallhavetogo，orshewillraiseafineracket。Justkeepaneyeonthemilk，Christophe；
　　don’tletthecatgetatit。”
　　Sylviewentuptohermistress’room。
　　“Sylvie！Howisthis？It’snearlyteno’clock，andyouletmesleeplikeadormouse！Suchathinghasneverhappenedbefore。”
　　“It’sthefog；itisthatthick，youcouldcutitwithaknife。”
　　“Buthowaboutbreakfast？“
　　“Bah！theboardersarepossessed，I’msure。Theyallclearedoutbeforetherewasawinkofdaylight。”
　　“Dospeakproperly，Sylvie。”Mme。Vauquerretorted；“sayablinkofdaylight。”
　　“Ah，well，madame，whicheveryouplease。Anyhow，youcanhavebreakfastatteno’clock。LaMichonnetteandPoirethaveneitherofthemstirred。Thereareonlythosetwoupstairs，andtheyaresleepinglikethelogstheyare。”
　　“But，Sylvie，youputtheirnamestogetherasif——“
　　“Asifwhat？“saidSylvie，burstingintoaguffaw。“Thetwoofthemmakeapair。”
　　“Itisastrangething，isn’tit，Sylvie，howM。VautringotinlastnightafterChristophehadboltedthedoor？“
　　“Notatall，madame。ChristopheheardM。Vautrin，andwentdownandundidthedoor。Andhereareyouimaginingthat——？“
　　“Givememybodice，andbequickandgetbreakfastready。Dishuptherestofthemuttonwiththepotatoes，andyoucanputthestewedpearsonthetable，thoseatfiveapenny。”
　　AfewmomentslaterMme。Vauquercamedown，justintimetoseethecatknockdownaplatethatcoveredabowlofmilk，andbegintolapinallhaste。
　　“Mistigris！“shecried。
　　Thecatfled，butpromptlyreturnedtorubagainstherankles。
　　“Oh！yes，youcanwheedle，youoldhypocrite！“shesaid。“Sylvie！
　　Sylvie！“
　　“Yes，madame；whatisit？“
　　“Justseewhatthecathasdone！“
　　“ItisallthatstupidChristophe’sfault。Itoldhimtostopandlaythetable。Whathasbecomeofhim？Don’tyouworry，madame；
　　FatherGoriotshallhaveit。Iwillfillitupwithwater，andhewon’tknowthedifference；henevernoticesanything，notevenwhatheeats。”
　　“Iwonderwheretheoldheathencanhavegone？“saidMme。
　　Vauquer，settingtheplatesroundthetable。
　　“Whoknows？Heisuptoallsortsoftricks。”
　　“Ihaveoversleptmyself。”saidMme。Vauquer。
　　“Butmadamelooksasfreshasarose，allthesame。”
　　Thedoorbellrangatthatmoment，andVautrincamethroughthesitting-room，singingloudly：
　　“’Tisthesameoldstoryeverywhere，Arovingheartandarovingglance……
　　“Oh！MammaVauquer！good-morning！“hecriedatthesightofhishostess，andheputhisarmgailyroundherwaist。
　　“There！havedone——“
　　“’Impertinence！’Sayit！“heanswered。“Come，sayit！Now，isn’tthatwhatyoureallymean？Stopabit，Iwillhelpyoutosetthetable。Ah！Iamaniceman，amInot？
　　“ForthelocksofbrownandthegoldenhairAsighinglover……
　　“Oh！Ihavejustseensomethingsofunny……ledbychance。”
　　“What？“askedthewidow。
　　“FatherGoriotinthegoldsmith’sshopintheRueDauphineathalf-pasteightthismorning。Theybuyoldspoonsandforksandgoldlacethere，andGoriotsoldapieceofsilverplateforagoodroundsum。Ithadbeentwistedoutofshapeveryneatlyforamanthat’snotusedtothetrade。”
　　“Really？Youdon’tsayso？“
　　“Yes。Oneofmyfriendsisexpatriatinghimself；IhadbeentoseehimoffonboardtheRoyalMailsteamer，andwascomingbackhere。IwaitedafterthattoseewhatFatherGoriotwoulddo；itisacomicalaffair。Hecamebacktothisquarteroftheworld，totheRuedesGres，andwentintoamoney-lender’shouse；
　　everybodyknowshim，Gobseck，astuck-uprascal，thatwouldmakedominoesoutofhisfather’sbones，aTurk，aheathen，anoldJew，aGreek；itwouldbeadifficultmattertorobHIM，forheputsallhiscoinintotheBank。”
　　“ThenwhatwasFatherGoriotdoingthere？“
　　“Doing？“saidVautrin。“Nothing；hewasbentonhisownundoing。
　　Heisasimpleton，stupidenoughtoruinhimselfbyrunningafter——“
　　“Thereheis！“criedSylvie。
　　“Christophe。”criedFatherGoriot’svoice，“comeupstairswithme。”
　　Christophewentup，andshortlyafterwardscamedownagain。
　　“Whereareyougoing？“Mme。Vauqueraskedofherservant。
　　“OutonanerrandforM。Goriot。”
　　“Whatmaythatbe？“saidVautrin，pouncingonaletterinChristophe’shand。“Mme。laComtesseAnastasiedeRestaud。”heread。“Whereareyougoingwithit？“headded，ashegavetheletterbacktoChristophe。
　　“TotheRueduHelder。Ihaveorderstogivethisintoherhandsmyself。”
　　“Whatisthereinsideit？“saidVautrin，holdingtheletteruptothelight。“Abanknote？No。”Hepeeredintotheenvelope。“A
　　receiptedaccount！“hecried。“Myword！’tisagallantolddotard。Offwithyou，oldchap。”hesaid，bringingdownahandonChristophe’shead，andspinningthemanroundlikeathimble；
　　“youwillhaveafamoustip。”
　　Bythistimethetablewasset。Sylviewasboilingthemilk，Mme。
　　VauquerwaslightingafireinthestovewithsomeassistancefromVautrin，whokepthummingtohimself：
　　“Thesameoldstoryeverywhere，Arovingheartandarovingglance。”
　　Wheneverythingwasready，Mme。CoutureandMlle。Taillefercamein。
　　“Wherehaveyoubeenthismorning，fairlady？“saidMme。Vauquer，turningtoMme。Couture。
　　“WehavejustbeentosayourprayersatSaint-EtienneduMont。
　　To-dayisthedaywhenwemustgotoseeM。Taillefer。Poorlittlething！Sheistremblinglikealeaf。”Mme。Couturewenton，assheseatedherselfbeforethefireandheldthesteamingsolesofherbootstotheblaze。
　　“Warmyourself，Victorine。”saidMme。Vauquer。
　　“Itisquiterightandproper，mademoiselle，topraytoHeaventosoftenyourfather’sheart。”saidVautrin，ashedrewachairnearertotheorphangirl；“butthatisnotenough。Whatyouwantisafriendwhowillgivethemonsterapieceofhismind；abarbarianthathasthreemillionssotheysay，andwillnotgiveyouadowry；andaprettygirlneedsadowrynowadays。”
　　“Poorchild！“saidMme。Vauquer。“Nevermind，mypet，yourwretchofafatherisgoingjustthewaytobringtroubleuponhimself。”
　　Victorine’seyesfilledwithtearsatthewords，andthewidowcheckedherselfatasignfromMme。Couture。
　　“Ifwecouldonlyseehim！“saidtheCommissary-General’swidow；
　　“ifIcouldspeaktohimmyselfandgivehimhiswife’slastletter！Ihaveneverdaredtoruntheriskofsendingitbypost；
　　heknewmyhandwriting——“
　　“’Ohwoman，persecutedandinjuredinnocent！’“exclaimedVautrin，breakinginuponher。“Sothatishowyouare，isit？Inafewdays’timeIwilllookintoyouraffairs，anditwillbeallright，youshallsee。”
　　“Oh！sir。”saidVictorine，withatearfulbuteagerglanceatVautrin，whoshowednosignofbeingtouchedbyit，“ifyouknowofanywayofcommunicatingwithmyfather，pleasebesureandtellhimthathisaffectionandmymother’shonoraremoretomethanallthemoneyintheworld。Ifyoucaninducehimtorelentalittletowardsme，IwillpraytoGodforyou。Youmaybesureofmygratitude——“
　　“Thesameoldstoryeverywhere。”sangVautrin，withasatiricalintonation。Atthisjuncture，Goriot，Mlle。Michonneau，andPoiretcamedownstairstogether；possiblythescentofthegravywhichSylviewasmakingtoservewiththemuttonhadannouncedbreakfast。Thesevenpeoplethusassembledbadeeachothergood-
　　morning，andtooktheirplacesatthetable；theclockstruckten，andthestudent’sfootstepwasheardoutside。
　　“Ah！hereyouare，M。Eugene。”saidSylvie；“everyoneisbreakfastingathometo-day。”
　　Thestudentexchangedgreetingswiththelodgers，andsatdownbesideGoriot。
　　“Ihavejustmetwithaqueeradventure。”hesaid，ashehelpedhimselfabundantlytothemutton，andcutasliceofbread，whichMme。Vauquer’seyesgaugedasusual。
　　“Anadventure？“queriedPoiret。
　　“Well，andwhatistheretoastonishyouinthat，oldboy？“
　　VautrinaskedofPoiret。“M。Eugeneiscutoutforthatkindofthing。”
　　Mlle。Tailleferstoleatimidglanceattheyoungstudent。
　　“Tellusaboutyouradventure！“demandedM。Vautrin。
　　“YesterdayeveningIwenttoaballgivenbyacousinofmine，theVicomtessedeBeauseant。Shehasamagnificenthouse；theroomsarehungwithsilk——inshort，itwasasplendidaffair，andIwasashappyasaking——“
　　“Fisher。”putinVautrin，interrupting。
　　“Whatdoyoumean，sir？“saidEugenesharply。
　　“Isaid’fisher，’becausekingfishersseeagooddealmorefunthankings。”
　　“Quitetrue；Iwouldmuchratherbethelittlecarelessbirdthanaking。”saidPoirettheditto-ist，“because——“
　　“Infact“——thelaw-studentcuthimshort——“Idancedwithoneofthehandsomestwomenintheroom，acharmingcountess，themostexquisitecreatureIhaveeverseen。Therewaspeachblossominherhair，andshehadtheloveliestbouquetofflowers——realflowers，thatscentedtheair——butthere！itisnousetryingtodescribeawomanglowingwiththedance。Yououghttohaveseenher！Well，andthismorningImetthisdivinecountessaboutnineo’clock，onfootintheRuedeGres。Oh！howmyheartbeat！
　　Ibegantothink——“
　　“Thatshewascominghere。”saidVautrin，withakeenlookatthestudent。“IexpectthatshewasgoingtocallonoldGobseck，amoney-lender。IfeveryouexploreaParisianwoman’sheart，youwillfindthemoney-lenderfirst，andtheloverafterwards。YourcountessiscalledAnastasiedeRestaud，andshelivesintheRueduHelder。”
　　ThestudentstaredhardatVautrin。FatherGoriotraisedhisheadatthewords，andgavethetwospeakersaglancesofullofintelligenceanduneasinessthatthelodgersbeheldhimwithastonishment。
　　“ThenChristophewastoolate，andshemusthavegonetohim！“
　　criedGoriot，withanguishinhisvoice。
　　“ItisjustasIguessed。”saidVautrin，leaningovertowhisperinMme。Vauquer’sear。
　　Goriotwentonwithhisbreakfast，butseemedunconsciousofwhathewasdoing。Hehadneverlookedmorestupidnormoretakenupwithhisownthoughtsthanhedidatthatmoment。
　　“Whothedevilcouldhavetoldyouhername，M。Vautrin？“askedEugene。
　　“Aha！thereyouare！“answeredVautrin。“OldFatherGoriotthereknewitquitewell！andwhyshouldInotknowittoo？“
　　“M。Goriot？“thestudentcried。
　　“Whatisit？“askedtheoldman。“Soshewasverybeautiful，wasshe，yesterdaynight？“
　　“Who？“
　　“Mme。deRestaud。”
　　“Lookattheoldwretch。”saidMme。Vauquer，speakingtoVautrin；
　　“howhiseyeslightup！“
　　“Thendoeshereallykeepher？“saidMlle。Michonneau，inawhispertothestudent。
　　“Oh！yes，shewastremendouslypretty。”Eugeneanswered。FatherGoriotwatchedhimwitheagereyes。“IfMme。deBeauseanthadnotbeenthere，mydivinecountesswouldhavebeenthequeenoftheball；noneoftheyoungermenhadeyesforanyoneelse。Iwasthetwelfthonherlist，andshedancedeveryquadrille。Theotherwomenwerefurious。Shemusthaveenjoyedherself，ifevercreaturedid！Itisatruesayingthatthereisnomorebeautifulsightthanafrigateinfullsail，agallopinghorse，orawomandancing。”
　　“Sothewheelturns。”saidVautrin；“yesterdaynightataduchess’ball，thismorninginamoney-lender’soffice，onthelowestrungoftheladder——justlikeaParisienne！Iftheirhusbandscannotaffordtopayfortheirfranticextravagance，theywillsellthemselves。Oriftheycannotdothat，theywilltearouttheirmothers’heartstofindsomethingtopayfortheirsplendor。Theywillturntheworldupsidedown。JustaParisiennethroughandthrough！“
　　FatherGoriot’sface，whichhadshoneatthestudent’swordslikethesunonabrightday，cloudedoverallatonceatthiscruelspeechofVautrin’s。
　　“Well。”saidMme。Vauquer，“butwhereisyouradventure？Didyouspeaktoher？Didyouaskherifshewantedtostudylaw？“
　　“Shedidnotseeme。”saidEugene。“ButonlythinkofmeetingoneoftheprettiestwomeninParisintheRuedesGresatnineo’clock！Shecouldnothavereachedhomeaftertheballtilltwoo’clockthismorning。Wasn’titqueer？ThereisnoplacelikeParisforthissortofadventures。”
　　“Pshaw！muchfunnierthingsthanTHAThappenhere！“exclaimedVautrin。
　　Mlle。Tailleferhadscarcelyheededthetalk，shewassoabsorbedbythethoughtofthenewattemptthatshewasabouttomake。
　　Mme。Couturemadeasignthatitwastimetogoupstairsanddress；thetwoladieswentout，andFatherGoriotfollowedtheirexample。
　　“Well，didyousee？“saidMme。Vauquer，addressingVautrinandtherestofthecircle。“Heisruininghimselfforthosewomen，thatisplain。”
　　“NothingwillevermakemebelievethatthatbeautifulComtessedeRestaudisanythingtoFatherGoriot。”criedthestudent。
　　“Well，andifyoudon’t。”brokeinVautrin，“wearenotsetonconvincingyou。YouaretooyoungtoknowParisthoroughlyyet；
　　lateronyouwillfindoutthattherearewhatwecallmenwithapassion——“
　　Mlle。MichonneaugaveVautrinaquickglanceatthesewords。Theyseemedtobelikethesoundofatrumpettoatrooper’shorse。
　　“Aha！“saidVautrin，stoppinginhisspeechtogiveherasearchingglance，“sowehavehadourlittleexperiences，havewe？“
　　Theoldmaidloweredhereyeslikeanunwhoseesastatue。
　　“Well。”hewenton，“whenfolkofthatkindgetanotionintotheirheads，theycannotdropit。Theymustdrinkthewaterfromsomeparticularspring——itisstagnantasoftenasnot；buttheywillselltheirwivesandfamilies，theywillselltheirownsoulstothedeviltogetit。Forsomethisspringisplay，orthestock-exchange，ormusic，oracollectionofpicturesorinsects；forothersitissomewomanwhocangivethemthedaintiestheylike。Youmightoffertheselastallthewomenonearth——theywouldturnuptheirnoses；theywillhavetheonlyonewhocangratifytheirpassion。Itoftenhappensthatthewomandoesnotcareforthematall，andtreatsthemcruelly；
　　theybuytheirmorselsofsatisfactionverydear；butnomatter，thefoolsarenevertiredofit；theywilltaketheirlastblankettothepawnbroker’stogivetheirlastfive-francpiecetoher。FatherGoriothereisoneofthatsort。Heisdiscreet，sotheCountessexploitshim——justthewayofthegayworld。Thepooroldfellowthinksofherandofnothingelse。Inallotherrespectsyouseeheisastupidanimal；butgethimonthatsubject，andhiseyessparklelikediamonds。Thatsecretisnotdifficulttoguess。Hetooksomeplatehimselfthismorningtothemelting-pot，andIsawhimatDaddyGobseck’sintheRuedesGres。Andnow，markwhatfollows——hecamebackhere，andgavealetterfortheComtessedeRestaudtothatnoodleofaChristophe，whoshowedustheaddress；therewasareceiptedbillinsideit。ItisclearthatitwasanurgentmatteriftheCountessalsowentherselftotheoldmoneylender。FatherGoriothasfinancedherhandsomely。Thereisnoneedtotackataletogether；thethingisself-evident。Sothatshowsyou，sirstudent，thatallthetimeyourCountesswassmiling，dancing，flirting，swayingherpeach-flowercrownedhead，withhergowngatheredintoherhand，herslipperswerepinchingher，astheysay；shewasthinkingofherprotestedbills，orherlover’sprotestedbills。”
　　“Youhavemademewildtoknowthetruth。”criedEugene；“IwillgotocallonMme。deRestaudto-morrow。”
　　“Yes。”echoedPoiret；“youmustgoandcallonMme。deRestaud。”
　　“AndperhapsyouwillfindFatherGoriotthere，whowilltakepaymentfortheassistancehepolitelyrendered。”
　　Eugenelookeddisgusted。“Why，then，thisParisofyoursisaslough。”
　　“Andanuncommonlyqueerslough，too。”repliedVautrin。“Themudsplashesyouasyoudrivethroughitinyourcarriage——youarearespectableperson；yougoafootandaresplashed——youareascoundrel。Youaresounluckyastowalkoffwithsomethingorotherbelongingtosomebodyelse，andtheyexhibityouasacuriosityinthePlaceduPalais-de-Justice；youstealamillion，andyouarepointedoutineverysalonasamodelofvirtue。Andyoupaythirtymillionsforthepoliceandthecourtsofjustice，forthemaintenanceoflawandorder！Aprettyslateofthingsitis！“
　　“What。”criedMme。Vauquer，“hasFatherGoriotreallymelteddownhissilverposset-dish？“
　　“Thereweretwoturtle-dovesonthelid，weretherenot？“askedEugene。
　　“Yes，thattherewere。”
　　“Then，washefondofit？“saidEugene。“Hecriedwhilehewasbreakingupthecupandplate。Ihappenedtoseehimbyaccident。”
　　“Itwasdeartohimashisownlife。”answeredthewidow。
　　“There！youseehowinfatuatedtheoldfellowis！“criedVautrin。
　　“Thewomanyondercancoaxthesouloutofhim“
　　Thestudentwentuptohisroom。Vautrinwentout，andafewmomentslaterMme。CoutureandVictorinedroveawayinacabwhichSylviehadcalledforthem。PoiretgavehisarmtoMlle。
　　Michonneau，andtheywenttogethertospendthetwosunniesthoursofthedayintheJardindesPlantes。
　　“Well，thosetwoareasgoodasmarried。”wastheportlySylvie’scomment。“Theyaregoingouttogetherto-dayforthefirsttime。
　　Theyaresuchacoupleofdrysticksthatiftheyhappentostrikeagainsteachothertheywilldrawsparkslikeflintandsteel。”
　　“KeepclearofMlle。Michonneau’sshawl，then，saidMme。Vauquer，laughing；“itwouldflareupliketinder。”
　　Atfouro’clockthatevening，whenGoriotcamein，hesaw，bythelightoftwosmokylamps，thatVictorine’seyeswerered。Mme。
　　VauquerwaslisteningtothehistoryofthevisitmadethatmorningtoM。Taillefer；ithadbeenmadeinvain。Tailleferwastiredoftheannualapplicationmadebyhisdaughterandherelderlyfriend；hegavethemapersonalinterviewinordertoarriveatanunderstandingwiththem。
　　“Mydearlady。”saidMme。Couture，addressingMme。Vauquer，“justimagineit；hedidnotevenaskVictorinetositdown，shewasstandingthewholetime。Hesaidtomequitecoolly，withoutputtinghimselfinapassion，thatwemightspareourselvesthetroubleofgoingthere；thattheyoungladyhewouldnotcallherhisdaughterwasinjuringhercausebyimportuninghimIMPORTUNING！onceayear，thewretch！；thatasVictorine’smotherhadnothingwhenhemarriedher，Victorineoughtnottoexpectanythingfromhim；infact，hesaidthemostcruelthings，thatmadethepoorchildburstoutcrying。Thelittlethingthrewherselfatherfather’sfeetandspokeupbravely；shesaidthatsheonlyperseveredinhervisitsforhermother’ssake；thatshewouldobeyhimwithoutamurmur，butthatshebeggedhimtoreadherpoordeadmother’sfarewellletter。Shetookitupandgaveittohim，sayingthemostbeautifulthingsintheworld，mostbeautifullyexpressed；Idonotknowwhereshelearnedthem；Godmusthaveputthemintoherhead，forthepoorchildwasinspiredtospeaksonicelythatitmademecrylikeafooltohearhertalk。Andwhatdoyouthinkthemonsterwasdoingallthetime？
　　Cuttinghisnails！HetooktheletterthatpoorMme。Tailleferhadsoakedwithtears，andflungitontothechimney-piece。
　　’Thatisallright，’hesaid。Heheldouthishandstoraisehisdaughter，butshecoveredthemwithkisses，andhedrewthemawayagain。Scandalous，isn’tit？Andhisgreatboobyofasoncameinandtooknonoticeofhissister。”
　　“Whatinhumanwretchestheymustbe！“saidFatherGoriot。
　　“Andthentheybothwentoutoftheroom。”Mme。Couturewenton，withoutheedingtheworthyvermicellimaker’sexclamation；
　　“fatherandsonbowedtome，andaskedmetoexcusethemonaccountofurgentbusiness！Thatisthehistoryofourcall。
　　Well，hehasseenhisdaughteratanyrate。HowhecanrefusetoacknowledgeherIcannotthink，fortheyareasalikeastwopeas。”
　　Theboardersdroppedinoneafteranother，interchanginggreetingsandemptyjokesthatcertainclassesofParisiansregardashumorousandwitty。Dulnessistheirprevailingingredient，andthewholepointconsistsinmispronouncingawordoragesture。Thiskindofargotisalwayschanging。Theessenceofthejestconsistsinsomecatchwordsuggestedbyapoliticalevent，anincidentinthepolicecourts，astreetsong，orabitofburlesqueatsometheatre，andforgotteninamonth。Anythingandeverythingservestokeepupagameofbattledoreandshuttlecockwithwordsandideas。Thediorama，arecentinvention，whichcarriedanopticalillusionadegreefurtherthanpanoramas，hadgivenrisetoamaniaamongartstudentsforendingeverywordwithRAMA。TheMaisonVauquerhadcaughttheinfectionfromayoungartistamongtheboarders。
　　“Well，Monsieur-r-rPoiret。”saidtheemployefromtheMuseum，“howisyourhealth-orama？“Then，withoutwaitingforananswer，heturnedtoMme。CoutureandVictorinewitha“Ladies，youseemmelancholy。”
　　“Isdinnerready？“criedHoraceBianchon，amedicalstudent，andafriendofRastignac’s；“mystomachissinkingusqueadtalones。”
　　“Thereisanuncommonfrozeramaoutside。”saidVautrin。“Makeroomthere，FatherGoriot！Confoundit，yourfootcoversthewholefrontofthestove。”
　　“IllustriousM。Vautrin。”putinBianchon，“whydoyousayfrozerama？Itisincorrect；itshouldbefrozenrama。”
　　“No，itshouldn’t。”saidtheofficialfromtheMuseum；“frozeramaisrightbythesamerulethatyousay’Myfeetarefroze。’“
　　“Ah！ah！“
　　“HereishisExcellencytheMarquisdeRastignac，DoctoroftheLawofContraries。”criedBianchon，seizingEugenebythethroat，andalmostthrottlinghim。
　　“Hallothere！hallo！“
　　Mlle。Michonneaucamenoiselesslyin，bowedtotherestoftheparty，andtookherplacebesidethethreewomenwithoutsayingaword。
　　“Thatoldbatalwaysmakesmeshudder。”saidBianchoninalowvoice，indicatingMlle。MichonneautoVautrin。“IhavestudiedGall’ssystem，andIamsureshehasthebumpofJudas。”
　　“Thenyouhaveseenacasebefore？“saidVautrin。
　　“Whohasnot？“answeredBianchon。“Uponmyword，thatghastlyoldmaidlooksjustlikeoneofthelongwormsthatwillgnawabeamthrough，givethemtimeenough。”
　　“Thatistheway，youngman。”returnedheofthefortyyearsandthedyedwhiskers：
　　“Therosehaslivedthelifeofarose——
　　Amorning’sspace。”
　　“Aha！hereisamagnificentsoupe-au-rama。”criedPoiretasChristophecameinbearingthesoupwithcautiousheed。
　　“Ibegyourpardon，sir。”saidMme。Vauquer；“itissoupeauxchoux。”
　　Alltheyoungmenroaredwithlaughter。
　　“Hadyouthere，Poiret！“
　　“Poir-r-r-rette！shehadyouthere！“
　　“ScoretwopointstoMammaVauquer。”saidVautrin。
　　“Didanyofyounoticethefogthismorning？“askedtheofficial。
　　“Itwasafranticfog。”saidBianchon，“afogunparalleled，doleful，melancholy，sea-green，asthmatical——aGoriotofafog！“
　　“AGoriorama。”saidtheartstudent，“becauseyoucouldn’tseeathinginit。”
　　“Hey！MilordGaoriotte，theyairtalkingaboutyoo-o-ou！“
　　FatherGoriot，seatedatthelowerendofthetable，closetothedoorthroughwhichtheservantentered，raisedhisface；hehadsmeltatascrapofbreadthatlayunderhistablenapkin，anoldtrickacquiredinhiscommercialcapacity，thatstillshoweditselfattimes。
　　“Well。”MadameVauquercriedinsharptones，thatrangabovetherattleofspoonsandplatesandthesoundofothervoices，“andisthereanythingthematterwiththebread？“
　　“Nothingwhatever，madame。”heanswered；“onthecontrary，itismadeofthebestqualityofcorn；flourfromEtampes。”
　　“Howcouldyoutell？“askedEugene。
　　“Bythecolor，bytheflavor。”
　　“Youknewtheflavorbythesmell，Isuppose。”saidMme。Vauquer。
　　“Youhavegrownsoeconomical，youwillfindouthowtoliveonthesmellofcookingatlast。”
　　“Takeoutapatentforit，then。”criedtheMuseumofficial；“youwouldmakeahandsomefortune。”
　　“Nevermindhim。”saidtheartist；“hedoesthatsortofthingtodeludeusintothinkingthathewasavermicellimaker。”
　　“Yournoseisacorn-sampler，itappears？“inquiredtheofficial。
　　“CornWHAT？“askedBianchon。
　　“Corn-el。”
　　“Corn-et。”
　　“Corn-elian。”
　　“Corn-ice。”
　　“Corn-ucopia。”
　　“Corn-crake。”
　　“Corn-cockle。”
　　“Corn-orama。”
　　Theeightresponsescamelikearollingfirefromeverypartoftheroom，andthelaughterthatfollowedwasthemoreuproariousbecausepoorFatherGoriotstaredattheotherswithapuzzledlook，likeaforeignertryingtocatchthemeaningofwordsinalanguagewhichhedoesnotunderstand。
　　“Corn？……”hesaid，turningtoVautrin，hisnextneighbor。
　　“Cornonyourfoot，oldman！“saidVautrin，andhedroveFatherGoriot’scapdownoverhiseyesbyablowonthecrown。
　　Thepooroldmanthussuddenlyattackedwasforamomenttoobewilderedtodoanything。Christophecarriedoffhisplate，thinkingthathehadfinishedhissoup，sothatwhenGoriothadpushedbackhiscapfromhiseyeshisspoonencounteredthetable。Everyoneburstoutlaughing。“Youareadisagreeablejoker，sir。”saidtheoldman，“andifyoutakeanyfurtherlibertieswithme——“
　　“Well，whatthen，oldboy？“Vautrininterrupted。
　　“Well，then，youshallpaydearlyforitsomeday——“
　　“Downbelow，eh？“saidtheartist，“inthelittledarkcornerwheretheyputnaughtyboys。”
　　“Well，mademoiselle。”Vautrinsaid，turningtoVictorine，“youareeatingnothing。Sopapawasrefractory，washe？“
　　“Amonster！“saidMme。Couture。
　　“Mademoisellemightmakeapplicationforalimentpendinghersuit；sheisnoteatinganything。Eh！eh！justseehowFatherGoriotisstaringatMlle。Victorine。”
　　Theoldmanhadforgottenhisdinner，hewassoabsorbedingazingatthepoorgirl；thesorrowinherfacewasunmistakable，——theslightedloveofachildwhosefatherwouldnotrecognizeher。
　　“WearemistakenaboutFatherGoriot，mydearboy。”saidEugeneinalowvoice。“Heisnotanidiot，norwantinginenergy。TryyourGallsystemonhim，andletmeknowwhatyouthink。Isawhimcrushasilverdishlastnightasifithadbeenmadeofwax；
　　thereseemstobesomethingextra-ordinarygoingoninhismindjustnow，tojudgebyhisface。Hislifeissomysteriousthatitmustbeworthstudying。Oh！youmaylaugh，Bianchon；Iamnotjoking。”
　　“Themanisasubject，ishe？“saidBianchon；“allright！Iwilldissecthim，ifhewillgivemethechance。”
　　“No；feelhisbumps。”
　　“Hm！——hisstupiditymightperhapsbecontagious。”
　　ThenextdayRastignacdressedhimselfveryelegantly，andaboutthreeo’clockintheafternoonwenttocallonMme。deRestaud。
　　Onthewaythitherheindulgedinthewildintoxicatingdreamswhichfillayoungheadsofullofdeliciousexcitement。Youngmenathisagetakenoaccountofobstaclesnorofdangers；theyseesuccessineverydirection；imaginationhasfreeplay，andturnstheirlivesintoaromance；theyaresaddenedordiscouragedbythecollapseofoneofthevisionaryschemesthathavenoexistencesaveintheirheatedfancy。Ifyouthwerenotignorantandtimid，civilizationwouldbeimpossible。
　　Eugenetookunheard-ofpainstokeephimselfinaspotlesscondition，butonhiswaythroughthestreetshebegantothinkaboutMme。deRestaudandwhatheshouldsaytoher。Heequippedhimselfwithwit，rehearsedreparteesinthecourseofanimaginaryconversation，andpreparedcertainneatspeechesalaTalleyrand，conjuringupaseriesofsmalleventswhichshouldpreparethewayforthedeclarationonwhichhehadbasedhisfuture；andduringthesemusingsthelawstudentwasbespatteredwithmud，andbythetimehereachedthePalaisRoyalhewasobligedtohavehisbootsblackedandhistrousersbrushed。
　　“IfIwererich。”hesaid，ashechangedthefive-francpiecehehadbroughtwithhimincaseanythingmighthappen，“Iwouldtakeacab，thenIcouldthinkatmyease。”
　　AtlasthereachedtheRueduHelder，andaskedfortheComtessedeRestaud。Heborethecontemptuousglancesoftheservants，whohadseenhimcrossthecourtonfoot，withthecoldfuryofamanwhoknowsthathewillsucceedsomeday。Heunderstoodthemeaningoftheirglancesatonce，forhehadfelthisinferiorityassoonasheenteredthecourt，whereasmartcabwaswaiting。
　　AllthedelightsoflifeinParisseemedtobeimpliedbythisvisibleandmanifestsignofluxuryandextravagance。Afinehorse，inmagnificentharness，waspawingtheground，andallatoncethelawstudentfeltoutofhumorwithhimself。Everycompartmentinhisbrainwhichhehadthoughttofindsofullofwitwasboltedfast；hegrewpositivelystupid。HesentuphisnametotheCountess，andwaitedintheante-chamber，standingononefootbeforeawindowthatlookedoutuponthecourt；
　　mechanicallyheleanedhiselbowagainstthesash，andstaredbeforehim。Thetimeseemedlong；hewouldhaveleftthehousebutforthesoutherntenacityofpurposewhichworksmiracleswhenitissingle-minded。
　　“Madameisinherboudoir，andcannotseeanyoneatpresent，sir。”saidtheservant。“Shegavemenoanswer；butifyouwillgointothedining-room，thereissomeonealreadythere。”
　　Rastignacwasimpressedwithasenseoftheformidablepowerofthelackeywhocanaccuseorcondemnhismastersbyaword；hecoollyopenedthedoorbywhichthemanhadjustenteredtheante-chamber，meaning，nodoubt，toshowtheseinsolentflunkeysthathewasfamiliarwiththehouse；buthefoundthathehadthoughtlesslyprecipitatedhimselfintoasmallroomfullofdressers，wherelampswerestanding，andhot-waterpipes，onwhichtowelswerebeingdried；adarkpassageandabackstaircaselaybeyondit。Stifledlaughterfromtheante-chamberaddedtohisconfusion。
　　“Thiswaytothedrawing-room，sir。”saidtheservant，withtheexaggeratedrespectwhichseemedtobeonemorejestathisexpense。
　　Eugeneturnedsoquicklythathestumbledagainstabath。Bygoodluck，hemanagedtokeephishatonhishead，andsaveditfromimmersioninthewater；butjustasheturned，adooropenedatthefurtherendofthedarkpassage，dimlylightedbyasmalllamp。Rastignacheardvoicesandthesoundofakiss；oneofthespeakerswasMme。deRestaud，theotherwasFatherGoriot。Eugenefollowedtheservantthroughthedining-roomintothedrawing-
　　room；hewenttoawindowthatlookedoutintothecourtyard，andstoodthereforawhile。HemeanttoknowwhetherthisGoriotwasreallytheGoriotthatheknew。Hisheartbeatunwontedlyfast；
　　herememberedVautrin’shideousinsinuations。Awell-dressedyoungmansuddenlyemergedfromtheroomalmostasEugeneenteredit，sayingimpatientlytotheservantwhostoodatthedoor：“I
　　amgoing，Maurice。TellMadamelaComtessethatIwaitedmorethanhalfanhourforher。”
　　Whereuponthisinsolentbeing，who，doubtless，hadarighttobeinsolent，sanganItaliantrill，andwenttowardsthewindowwhereEugenewasstanding，movedtheretoquiteasmuchbyadesiretoseethestudent’sfaceasbyawishtolookoutintothecourtyard。
　　“ButM。leComtehadbetterwaitamomentlonger；madameisdisengaged。”saidMaurice，ashereturnedtotheante-chamber。
　　JustatthatmomentFatherGoriotappearedclosetothegate；hehademergedfromadooratthefootofthebackstaircase。Theworthysoulwaspreparingtoopenhisumbrellaregardlessofthefactthatthegreatgatehadopenedtoadmitatilbury，inwhichayoungmanwitharibbonathisbutton-holewasseated。FatherGoriothadscarcelytimetostartbackandsavehimself。Thehorsetookfrightattheumbrella，swerved，anddashedforwardtowardstheflightofsteps。Theyoungmanlookedroundinannoyance，sawFatherGoriot，andgreetedhimashewentoutwithconstrainedcourtesy，suchaspeopleusuallyshowtoamoney-
　　lendersolongastheyrequirehisservices，orthesortofrespecttheyfeelitnecessarytoshowforsomeonewhosereputationhasbeenblownupon，sothattheyblushtoacknowledgehisacquaintance。FatherGoriotgavehimalittlefriendlynodandagood-naturedsmile。Allthishappenedwithlightningspeed。
　　EugenewassodeeplyinterestedthatheforgotthathewasnotalonetillhesuddenlyheardtheCountess’voice。
　　“Oh！Maxime，wereyougoingaway？“shesaidreproachfully，withashadeofpiqueinhermanner。TheCountesshadnotseentheincidentnortheentranceofthetilbury。Rastignacturnedabruptlyandsawherstandingbeforehim，coquettishlydressedinaloosewhitecashmeregownwithknotsofrose-coloredribbonhereandthere；herhairwascarelesslycoiledaboutherhead，asisthewontofParisianwomeninthemorning；therewasasoftfragranceabouther——doubtlessshewasfreshfromabath；——hergracefulformseemedmoreflexible，herbeautymoreluxuriant。
　　Hereyesglistened。Ayoungmancanseeeverythingataglance；
　　hefeelstheradiantinfluenceofwomanasaplantdiscernsandabsorbsitsnutrimentfromtheair；hedidnotneedtotouchherhandstofeeltheircoolfreshness。Hesawfaintrosetintsthroughthecashmereofthedressinggown；ithadfallenslightlyopen，givingglimpsesofabarethroat，onwhichthestudent’seyesrested。TheCountesshadnoneedoftheadventitiousaidofcorsets；hergirdledefinedtheoutlinesofherslenderwaist；
　　herthroatwasachallengetolove；herfeet，thrustintoslippers，weredaintilysmall。AsMaximetookherhandandkissedit，EugenebecameawareofMaxime’sexistence，andtheCountesssawEugene。
　　“Oh！isthatyouM。deRastignac？Iamverygladtoseeyou。”shesaid，buttherewassomethinginhermannerthatashrewdobserverwouldhavetakenasahinttodepart。
　　Maxime，astheCountessAnastasiehadcalledtheyoungmanwiththehaughtyinsolenceofbearing，lookedfromEugenetothelady，andfromtheladytoEugene；itwassufficientlyevidentthathewishedtoberidofthelatter。Anexactandfaithfulrenderingoftheglancemightbegiveninthewords：“Lookhere，mydear；I
　　hopeyouintendtosendthislittlewhipper-snapperabouthisbusiness。”
　　TheCountessconsultedtheyoungman’sfacewithanintentsubmissivenessthatbetraysallthesecretsofawoman’sheart，andRastignacallatoncebegantohatehimviolently。Tobeginwith，thesightofthefaircarefullyarrangedcurlsontheother’scomelyheadhadconvincedhimthathisowncropwashideous；Maxime’sboots，moreover，wereelegantandspotless，whilehisown，inspiteofallhiscare，boresometracesofhisrecentwalk；and，finally，Maxime’sovercoatfittedtheoutlineofhisfiguregracefully，helookedlikeaprettywoman，whileEugenewaswearingablackcoatathalf-pasttwo。Thequick-
　　wittedchildoftheCharentefeltthedisadvantageatwhichhewasplacedbesidethistall，slenderdandy，withthecleargazeandthepaleface，oneofthosemenwhowouldruinorphanchildrenwithoutscruple。Mme。deRestaudfledintothenextroomwithoutwaitingforEugenetospeak；shakingouttheskirtsofherdressing-gowninherflight，sothatshelookedlikeawhitebutterfly，andMaximehurriedafterher。Eugene，inafury，followedMaximeandtheCountess，andthethreestoodoncemorefacetofacebythehearthinthelargedrawing-room。ThelawstudentfeltquitesurethattheodiousMaximefoundhimintheway，andevenattheriskofdispleasingMme。deRestaud，hemeanttoannoythedandy。IthadstruckhimallatoncethathehadseentheyoungmanbeforeatMme。deBeauseant’sball；heguessedtherelationbetweenMaximeandMme。deRestaud；andwiththeyouthfulaudacitythatcommitsprodigiousblundersorachievessignalsuccess，hesaidtohimself，“Thisismyrival；I
　　meantocuthimout。”
　　Rashresolve！HedidnotknowthatM。leComteMaximedeTrailleswouldwaittillhewasinsulted，soastofirefirstandkillhisman。Eugenewasasportsmanandagoodshot，buthehadnotyethitthebulls’seyetwentytimesoutoftwenty-two。TheyoungCountdroppedintoalowchairbythehearth，tookupthetongs，andmadeupthefiresoviolentlyandsosulkily，thatAnastasie’sfairfacesuddenlycloudedover。SheturnedtoEugene，withacool，questioningglancethataskedplainly，“Whydoyounotgo？“aglancewhichwell-bredpeopleregardasacuetomaketheirexit。
　　Eugeneassumedanamiableexpression。
　　“Madame。”hebegan，“Ihastenedtocalluponyou——“
　　Hestoppedshort。Thedooropened，andtheownerofthetilburysuddenlyappeared。Hehadlefthishatoutside，anddidnotgreettheCountess；helookedmeditativelyatRastignac，andheldouthishandtoMaximewithacordial“Goodmorning。”thatastonishedEugenenotalittle。Theyoungprovincialdidnotunderstandtheamenitiesofatriplealliance。
　　“M。deRestaud。”saidtheCountess，introducingherhusbandtothelawstudent。
　　Eugenebowedprofoundly。
　　“Thisgentleman。”shecontinued，presentingEugenetoherhusband，“isM。deRastignac；heisrelatedtoMme。laVicomtessedeBeauseantthroughtheMarcillacs；Ihadthepleasureofmeetinghimatherlastball。”
　　RelatedtoMme。laVicomtessedeBeauseantthroughtheMarcillacs！Thesewords，onwhichthecountessthreweversoslightanemphasis，byreasonofthepridethatthemistressofahousetakesinshowingthatsheonlyreceivespeopleofdistinctionasvisitorsinherhouse，producedamagicaleffect。
　　TheCount’sstiffmannerrelaxedatonceashereturnedthestudent’sbow。
　　“Delightedtohaveanopportunityofmakingyouracquaintance。”
　　hesaid。
　　MaximedeTrailleshimselfgaveEugeneanuneasyglance，andsuddenlydroppedhisinsolentmanner。Themightynamehadallthepowerofafairy’swand；thoseclosedcompartmentsinthesouthernbrainflewopenagain；Rastignac’scarefullydrilledfacultiesreturned。ItwasasifasuddenlighthadpiercedtheobscurityofthisupperworldofParis，andhebegantosee，thougheverythingwasindistinctasyet。Mme。Vauquer’slodging-
　　houseandFatherGoriotwereveryfarremotefromhisthoughts。
　　“IthoughtthattheMarcillacswereextinct。”theComtedeRestaudsaid，addressingEugene。
　　“Yes，theyareextinct。”answeredthelawstudent。“Mygreat-
　　uncle，theChevalierdeRastignac，marriedtheheiressoftheMarcillacfamily。Theyhadonlyonedaughter，whomarriedtheMarechaldeClarimbault，Mme。deBeauseant’sgrandfatheronthemother’sside。Wearetheyoungerbranchofthefamily，andtheyoungerbranchisallthepoorerbecausemygreat-uncle，theVice-Admiral，lostallthathehadintheKing’sservice。TheGovernmentduringtheRevolutionrefusedtoadmitourclaimswhentheCompagniedesIndeswasliquidated。”
　　“Wasnotyourgreat-uncleincommandoftheVengeurbefore1789？“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Thenhewouldbeacquaintedwithmygrandfather，whocommandedtheWarwick。”
　　MaximelookedatMme。deRestaudandshruggedhisshoulders，aswhoshouldsay，“Ifheisgoingtodiscussnauticalmatterswiththatfellow，itisalloverwithus。”AnastasieunderstoodtheglancethatM。deTraillesgaveher。Withawoman’sadmirabletact，shebegantosmileandsaid：
　　“Comewithme，Maxime；Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou。WewillleaveyoutwogentlementosailincompanyonboardtheWarwickandtheVengeur。”
　　SherosetoherfeetandsignedtoMaximetofollowher，mirthandmischiefinherwholeattitude，andthetwowentinthedirectionoftheboudoir。ThemorganaticcoupletouseaconvenientGermanexpressionwhichhasnoexactequivalenthadreachedthedoor，whentheCountinterruptedhimselfinhistalkwithEugene。
　　“Anastasie！“hecriedpettishly，“juststayamoment，dear；youknowverywellthat——“
　　“Iamcomingbackinaminute。”sheinterrupted；“IhaveacommissionforMaximetoexecute，andIwanttotellhimaboutit。”
　　Shecamebackalmostimmediately。Shehadnoticedtheinflectioninherhusband’svoice，andknewthatitwouldnotbesafetoretiretotheboudoir；likeallwomenwhoarecompelledtostudytheirhusbands’charactersinordertohavetheirownway，andwhosebusinessitistoknowexactlyhowfartheycangowithoutendangeringagoodunderstanding，shewasverycarefultoavoidpettycollisionsindomesticlife。ItwasEugenewhohadbroughtaboutthisuntowardincident；sotheCountesslookedatMaximeandindicatedthelawstudentwithanairofexasperation。M。deTraillesaddressedtheCount，theCountess，andEugenewiththepointedremark，“Youarebusy，Idonotwanttointerruptyou；
　　good-day。”andhewent。
　　“Justwaitamoment，Maxime！“theCountcalledafterhim。
　　“Comeanddinewithus。”saidtheCountess，leavingEugeneandherhusbandtogetheroncemore。ShefollowedMaximeintothelittledrawing-room，wheretheysattogethersufficientlylongtofeelsurethatRastignachadtakenhisleave。
　　Thelawstudentheardtheirlaughter，andtheirvoices，andthepausesintheirtalk；hegrewmalicious，exertedhisconversationalpowersforM。deRestaud，flatteredhim，anddrewhimintodiscussions，totheendthathemightseetheCountessagainanddiscoverthenatureofherrelationswithFatherGoriot。ThisCountesswithahusbandandalover，forMaximeclearlywasherlover，wasamystery。Whatwasthesecrettiethatboundhertotheoldtradesman？Thismysteryhemeanttopenetrate，hopingbyitsmeanstogainasovereignascendencyoverthisfairtypicalParisian。
　　“Anastasie！“theCountcalledagaintohiswife。
　　“PoorMaxime！“shesaid，addressingtheyoungman。“Come，wemustresignourselves。Thisevening——“
　　“Ihope，Nasie。”hesaidinherear，“thatyouwillgiveordersnottoadmitthatyoungster，whoseeyeslightuplikelivecoalswhenhelooksatyou。Hewillmakeyouadeclaration，andcompromiseyou，andthenyouwillcompelmetokillhim。”
　　“Areyoumad，Maxime？“shesaid。“Ayoungladofastudentis，onthecontrary，acapitallightning-conductor；isnotthatso？Ofcourse，ImeantomakeRestaudfuriouslyjealousofhim。”
　　Maximeburstoutlaughing，andwentout，followedbytheCountess，whostoodatthewindowtowatchhimintohiscarriage；
　　heshookhiswhip，andmadehishorseprance。Sheonlyreturnedwhenthegreatgatehadbeenclosedafterhim。
　　“Whatdoyouthink，dear？“criedtheCount，herhusband，“thisgentleman’sfamilyestateisnotfarfromVerteuil，ontheCharente；hisgreat-uncleandmygrandfatherwereacquainted。”
　　“Delightedtofindthatwehaveacquaintancesincommon。”saidtheCountess，withapreoccupiedmanner。
　　“Morethanyouthink。”saidEugene，inalowvoice。
　　“Whatdoyoumean？“sheaskedquickly。
　　“Why，onlyjustnow。”saidthestudent，“Isawagentlemangooutatthegate，FatherGoriot，mynextdoorneighborinthehousewhereIamlodging。”
　　Atthesoundofthisname，andtheprefixthatembellishedit，theCount，whowasstirringthefire，letthetongsfallasthoughtheyhadburnedhisfingers，androsetohisfeet。
　　“Sir。”hecried，“youmighthavecalledhim’MonsieurGoriot’！“
　　TheCountessturnedpaleatfirstatthesightofherhusband’svexation，thenshereddened；clearlyshewasembarrassed，heranswerwasmadeinatonethatshetriedtomakenatural，andwithanairofassumedcarelessness：
　　“Youcouldnotknowanyonewhoisdearertousboth……”
　　Shebrokeoff，glancedatthepianoasifsomefancyhadcrossedhermind，andasked，“Areyoufondofmusic，M。deRastignac？“
　　“Exceedingly。”answeredEugene，flushing，anddisconcertedbyadimsuspicionthathehadsomehowbeenguiltyofaclumsypieceoffolly。
　　“Doyousing？“shecried，goingtothepiano，and，sittingdownbeforeit，shesweptherfingersoverthekeyboardfromendtoend。R-r-r-rah！
　　“No，madame。”
　　TheComtedeRestaudwalkedtoandfro。
　　“Thatisapity；youarewithoutonegreatmeansofsuccess——Ca-
　　ro，ca-a-ro，ca-a-a-ro，nondu-bi-ta-re。”sangtheCountess。
　　EugenehadasecondtimewavedamagicwandwhenheutteredGoriot’sname，buttheeffectseemedtobeentirelyoppositetothatproducedbytheformula“relatedtoMme。deBeauseant。”Hispositionwasnotunlikethatofsomevisitorpermittedasafavortoinspectaprivatecollectionofcuriosities，whenbyinadvertencehecomesintocollisionwithaglasscasefullofsculpturedfigures，andthreeorfourheads，imperfectlysecured，fallattheshock。Hewishedtheearthwouldopenandswallowhim。Mme。deRestaud’sexpressionwasreservedandchilly，hereyeshadgrownindifferent，andsedulouslyavoidedmeetingthoseoftheunluckystudentoflaw。
　　“Madame。”hesaid，“youwishtotalkwithM。deRestaud；permitmetowishyougood-day——“
　　TheCountessinterruptedhimbyagesture，sayinghastily，“Wheneveryoucometoseeus，bothM。deRestaudandIshallbedelightedtoseeyou。”
　　Eugenemadeaprofoundbowandtookhisleave，followedbyM。deRestaud，whoinsisted，inspiteofhisremonstrances，onaccompanyinghimintothehall。
　　“NeitheryourmistressnorIareathometothatgentlemanwhenhecalls。”theCountsaidtoMaurice。
　　AsEugenesetfootonthesteps，hesawthatitwasraining。
　　“Come。”saidhetohimself，“somehowIhavejustmadeamessofit，Idonotknowhow。AndnowIamgoingtospoilmyhatandcoatintothebargain。Ioughttostopinmycorner，grindawayatlaw，andneverlooktobeanythingbutaboorishcountrymagistrate。HowcanIgointosociety，whentomanageproperlyyouwantalotofcabs，varnishedboots，goldwatchchains，andallsortsofthings；youhavetowearwhitedoeskinglovesthatcostsixfrancsinthemorning，andprimrosekidgloveseveryevening？AfigforthatoldhumbugofaGoriot！“
　　Whenhereachedthestreetdoor，thedriverofahackneycoach，whohadprobablyjustdepositedaweddingpartyattheirdoor，andaskednothingbetterthanachanceofmakingalittlemoneyforhimselfwithouthisemployer’sknowledge，sawthatEugenehadnoumbrella，remarkedhisblackcoat，whitewaistcoat，yellowgloves，andvarnishedboots，andstoppedandlookedathiminquiringly。Eugene，intheblinddesperationthatdrivesayoungmantoplungedeeperanddeeperintoanabyss，asifhemighthopetofindafortunateissueinitslowestdepths，noddedinreplytothedriver’ssignal，andsteppedintothecab；afewstraypetalsoforangeblossomandscrapsofwireborewitnesstoitsrecentoccupationbyaweddingparty。