"Did he say how long he would be away ?" "Only to give his lessons.

I suppose he expected that you would call." "Very good," remarked the old man; then, addressing Dr.Hortebise, he said, "Perhaps, sir, you are going to the Registry Office ?" "Yes; I want to see Mascarin." "He is not there; but if you want to see him on any special matter, you had better come to our young friend's apartment, and await his arrival." "Very well, I will do so," answered the doctor.
Hortebise was much more impressed than Paul with the skill of the hand which had imparted such a look of long occupation to the rooms.
"On my word, the quiet simplicity of these rooms would induce any father to give his daughter to this young fellow." The old man's silence surprised him, and turning sharply round, he was struck by the gloomy look upon his features.
"What is the matter ?" asked Hortebise, with some anxiety.

"What is troubling you ?" Tantaine had thrown himself into a chair, and for a moment made no reply; then, springing to his feet, he gave the expiring embers a furious kick, and faced the doctor with folded arms.
"I see much trouble before us," said he at last.
The doctor's face grew as gloomy as that of his companion.
"Is it Perpignan who interferes ?" asked he.
"No, Perpignan is only a fool; but he will do what I tell him." "Then I really do not see--" "Do not see," exclaimed Tantaine; "but luckily for us all, I am not so blind.

Have you forgotten this marriage of De Croisenois?
There lies the danger.

All had gone so smoothly, every combination had been arranged, and every difficulty foreseen, and now----" "Well, you had made too sure, that was all; and you were unprepared for the slightest check." "Not so, but I had made no attempt to guard against the impossible." "Of course, there are limits to all human intelligence, but pray explain yourself." "This is it, then, doctor.