I am still
willing to go on paying, but only on conditions that they give me
in return for my money, if not the reality, at least a show of
love, affection, and respect. I'm determined to have the
semblance of these things; I'm quite resolved on that. Yes, I
will have myself treated with deference. I'll be petted and
coddled and made much of, or else I'll suspend payment. It was
one of my old friends, a parvenu like myself--a man whose domestic
happiness I have envied for many years--who gave me this receipt:
'At home,' said he, 'with my wife, my daughters, and my sons-in-
law, I'm like a peer of England at an hotel. I order first-class
happiness at so much a month. If I get it I pay for it; if I
don't get it, I cut off the supplies. When I get extras I pay for
them cheerfully, without haggling. Follow my example, my old
friend, and you'll have a comfortable life.' And I shall follow
his advice, M. Ferailleur, for I am convinced that his theory is
sound and practicable. I have led this life long enough. I'll
spend my last days in peace, or, as God hears me, I'll let my
family die of starvation!"
His face was purple, and the veins on his forehead stood out like
whipcords, but not so much from anger as from the constraint he
imposed upon himself by speaking in a whisper. He drew a long
breath, and then in a calmer tone, resumed: "But you must make
haste and succeed, M.
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