The famous failure of Maitre Roquin, which carried terror to all Paris, and did such harm to the confidence given to the notariat, was also caused by it; they went into heavy speculations on that land too soon; they should have waited until now." "I remember about that," said Brigitte.
"The house might be finished by the end of the year," continued Theodose, "and the rentals could begin next spring." "Could we go there to-morrow ?" "Dear aunt, I am at your orders." "Ah ca!" she cried, "don't call me that before people.

As to this affair," she continued, "I can't have any opinion until I have seen the house." "It has six storeys; nine windows on the front; a fine courtyard, four shops, and it stands on a corner.

Ah! that notary knows what he is about in wishing to hold on to such pieces of property! But let political events interfere, and down go the Funds! If I were you, I should sell out all that you and Madame Thuillier have on the Grand Livre and buy this fine piece of real estate for Thuillier, and I'd recover the fortune of that poor, pious creature by savings from its proceeds.

Can the Funds go higher than they are to-day?
One hundred and twenty-two! it is fabulous; I should make haste to sell." Brigitte licked her lips; she perceived the means of keeping her own property intact, and of enriching her brother by this use of Madame Thuillier's fortune.
"My brother is right," she said to Theodose; "you certainly are a rare man; you'll get on in the world." "And he'll walk before me," responded Theodose with a naivete that touched the old maid.
"You will live in the family," she said.
"There may be obstacles to that," he remarked.

"Madame Thuillier is very queer at times; she doesn't like me." "Ha! I'll settle that," cried Brigitte.