It was some time since the business in the Rue Vivienne had been transferred to the foreman of the shop.

The flour trade alone occupied Madame Desvarennes's attention.

She ruled the prices in the market; and great bankers came to her office and did business with her on a footing of equality.

She did not become any prouder for it, she knew too well the strength and weakness of life to have pride; her former plain dealing had not stiffened into self-sufficiency.

Such as one had known her when beginning business, such one found her in the zenith of her fortune.