AS THE days passed M. Vulfran became very weak. At last he was confined to his room with a serious attack of bronchitis, and the entire management of the works was given over to Talouel, who was triumphant.
When he recovered he was in such a state of apathy that it was alarming. They could not rouse him; nothing seemed to interest him, not even his business. Previously they had feared the effect a shock would have on his system, but now the doctors desired it, for it seemed that only a great shock could drag him out of this terrible condition. What could they do?
After a time he returned to his business, but he scarcely took account of what Talouel had done during his absence. His manager, however, had been too clever and shrewd to take any steps that his employer would not have taken himself.
Every day Perrine took him to his various factories, but the drives were made in silence now. Frequently he did not reply to the remarks she made from time to time, and when he reached the works he scarcely listened to what his men had to say.
"Do what you think best," he said always. "Arrange the matter with Talouel."
How long would this apathy last?
One afternoon, when old Coco was bringing them back to Maraucourt, they heard a bell ringing.
"Stop," he said; "I think that's the fire alarm."
Perrine stopped the horse.
"Yes, it's a fire," he said, listening. "Do you see anything?"