Yes, I'll save him from himself; we'll convoke here to supper Etienne Lousteau, who can do the feuilleton; Claude Vignon for criticisms; Felicien Vernou as general care-taker; the lawyer will work, and du Tillet may take charge of the Bourse, the money article, and all industrial questions.

We'll see where these various talents and slaves united will land the enterprise." "In a hospital or a ministry,--where all men ruined in body or mind are apt to go," said Raoul, laughing.
"Where and when shall we invite them ?" "Here, five days hence." "Tell me the sum you want," said Florine, simply.
"Well, the lawyer, du Tillet, and Raoul will each have to put up a hundred thousand francs before they embark on the affair," replied Blondet.

"Then the paper can run eighteen months; about long enough for a rise and fall in Paris." Florine gave a little grimace of approval.

The two friends jumped into a cabriolet to go about collecting guests and pens, ideas and self-interests.
Florine meantime sent for certain dealers in old furniture, bric-a-brac, pictures, and jewels.

These men entered her sanctuary and took an inventory of every article, precisely as if Florine were dead.