GERMINAL
until his neighbour was ruined, and then buy up his concession at a low price? That would be the surest way of regaining the good graces of the directors, who for years had dreamed of possessing Vandame.
"If Jean-Bart bothers you as much as that," said he, laughing, "why don't give you it up to us?"
But Deneulin was already regretting his complaints. He exclaimed:
"Never, never!"
They were amused at his vigor and had already forgotten the strike by the time the dessert appeared. An apple-Charlotte meringue was overwhelmed with praise. Afterwards the ladies discussed a recipe with respect to the pineapple which was declared equally exquisite. The grapes and pears completed their happy abandonment at the end of this copious lunch. All talked excitedly at the same time, while the servant poured out Rhine wine to replace champagne which was looked upon as commonplace.
And the marriage of Paul and Cécile certainly made a forward step in the sympathy produced by dessert. His aunt had thrown such urgent looks in his direction, that the young man showed himself very amiable, and in his knowing way reconquered the Grégoires, who had been cast down by his stories of pillage. For a moment M. Hennebeau, seeing the close understanding between his wife and his nephew, felt that abominable suspicion again revive, as if in this exchange of looks he had surprised a physical contact. But again the idea of the marriage, made here before his face, reassured him.
Hippolyte was serving the coffee when the house-maid entered in a fright.
"Sir, sir, they are here!"
It was the delegates. Doors banged; a breath of terror was passing through the neighbouring rooms.
"Take them into the drawing-room," said M. Hennebeau.
Around the table the guests were looking at one another with restless vacillation. There was silence. Then they tried to resume their jokes: they pretended to put the rest of the sugar in their pockets, and talked of hiding the plate. But the manager remained grave; and the laughter fell and their voices sank to a whisper, while the heavy feet of the delegates who
[188]
