A clever man would have been lost in public estimation had he stammered, as Minoret did, evasive and foolish answers with a frightened air.

Zelie sent her servants to efface the vindictive words wherever they were found; but the effect of them on Minoret's conscience still remained.
The result of his interview with his assailant was soon apparent.

Though Goupil had concluded his bargain with the sheriff the night before, he now impudently refused to fulfil it.
"My dear Lecoeur," he said, "I am unexpectedly enabled to buy up Monsieur Dionis's practice; I am therefore in a position to help you to sell to others.

Tear up the agreement; it's only the loss of two stamps,--here are seventy centimes." Lecoeur was too much afraid of Goupil to complain.

All Nemours knew before night that Minoret had given Dionis security to enable Goupil to buy his practice.