“Of course it did. Why, she will have a million for her wedding portion!”
On hearing these words, Tantaine started up with so threatening an aspect that Paul recoiled a step, but a warning look from the doctor restrained the old man’s indignation.
“He is a perfect sham!” muttered he; “even his vices are mere pretence.”
“He is our pupil, and is what we have made him,” whispered Tantaine.
Meanwhile Tantaine had gone up to Paul, and, placing his hand caressingly on his shoulder, said,—
“My boy, you will never know how much you owe to Mademoiselle Flavia.”
Paul could not understand the meaning of this scene. 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.”