In a week's time we'll see who laughs last."
He paused, for Victor Chupin, who had lingered behind to pay the
driver, had just entered the room. "You gave me twenty francs,
m'sieur," he remarked to his employer. "I paid the driver four
francs and five sous, here's the change."
"Keep it yourself, Victor," said M. Fortunat.
What! keep fifteen francs and fifteen sous? Under any other
circumstances such unusual generosity would have drawn a grimace
of satisfaction from young Chupin. But to-day he did not even
smile; he slipped the money carelessly into his pocket, and
scarcely deigned to say "thanks," in the coldest possible tone.
Absorbed in thought, M. Fortunat did not remark this little
circumstance. "We have them, Victor," he resumed. "I told you
that Valorsay and Coralth should pay me for their treason.
Vengeance is near. Read this letter." Victor read it slowly, and
as soon as he had finished his employer ejaculated, "Well?"
But Chupin was not a person to give advice lightly. "Excuse me,
m'sieur," said he, "but in order to answer you, I must have some
knowledge of the affair. I only know what you've told me--which
is little enough--and what I've guessed. In fact, I know nothing
at all."
M. Fortunat reflected for a moment. "You are right, Victor," he
said, at last. "So far the explanation I gave you was all that
was necessary; but now that I expect more important services from
you, I ought to tell you the whole truth, or at least all I know
about the affair.
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