"Two or three more operations like the one we have just successfully wound up, and we can shut up shop!"
From all this, what could she conclude, if not that he was marching with rapid strides towards that fortune, the object of all his ambition?
Already in the neighborhood he had that reputation to be very rich, which is the beginning of riches itself. He was admired for keeping his house with such rigid economy; for a man is always esteemed who has money, and does not spend it.
"He is not the man ever to squander what he has," the neighbors repeated.
The persons whom he received on Saturdays believed him more than comfortably off. When M. Desclavettes and M. Chapelain had complained to their hearts' contents, the one of the shop, the other of his office, they never failed to add,
"You laugh at us, because you are engaged in large operations, where people make as much money as they like."
They seemed to hold his financial capacities in high estimation. They consulted him, and followed his advice.
"Oh! he knows what he is about."
