These men had done their best to pervert his morals, and to deaden the voice of his conscience, and now that he had hoped to earn their praise by an affectation of cynicism they were displeased with him.

Before, however, he could ask a question, Tantaine had completely recovered his self-command.
"My dear boy," said he, "I am quite satisfied with you.

I came here to-day expecting to find you still undecided, and I am pleased with the change." "But, sir--" said Paul.
"On the contrary, you are firm and strong." "Yes, he has got on so well," said the doctor, "that we should now treat him as one of ourselves, and confide more in him.

To-night, my young friend, M.Mascarin will get from Caroline Schimmel the solution of the riddle that has for so long perplexed us.

Be at the office to-morrow at ten o'clock, and you shall be told everything." Paul would have asked more questions, but Tantaine cut him short with a brief good-morning, and went off hurriedly, taking the doctor with him, and seemingly wishing to avoid a hazardous and unpleasant explanation.
"Let us get out of this," whispered he.