This institution gives, at the end of ten years, dowries to young girls, annuities to old men; it pays the education of children, and takes charge, in short, of the fortunes of everybody." "I can well believe it," said Pere Leger, smiling.

"In a word, you are a runner for an insurance company." "No, monsieur.

I am the inspector-general; charged with the duty of establishing correspondents and appointing the agents of the company throughout France.

I am only operating until the agents are selected; for it is a matter as delicate as it is difficult to find honest agents." "But how did you lose your thirty thousand a year ?" asked Oscar.
"As you lost your arm," replied the son of Czerni-Georges, curtly.
"Then you must have shared in some brilliant action," remarked Oscar, with a sarcasm not unmixed with bitterness.
"Parbleu! I've too many--shares! that's just what I wanted to sell." By this time they had arrived at Saint-Leu-Taverny, where all the passengers got out while the coach changed horses.

Oscar admired the liveliness which Pierrotin displayed in unhooking the traces from the whiffle-trees, while his driver cleared the reins from the leaders.
"Poor Pierrotin," thought he; "he has stuck like me,--not far advanced in the world.