He, whose mind lacked occupation, thought of the future.

He said to himself that the day when the dreamt-of fortune came would be more welcome if there were an heir to whom to leave it.

What was the good of being rich, if the money went to collateral relatives?
There was his nephew Savinien, a disagreeable urchin whom he looked on with indifference; and he was biased regarding his brother, who had all but failed several times in business, and to whose aid he had come to save the honor of the name.

The mistress had not hesitated to help him, and had prevented the signature of "Desvarennes" being protested.

She had not taunted him, having as large a heart as she had a mind.