Plon's interest might not be going
to take a warmer form, in which case it might be more difficult than
ever for Jean to forget that he was no longer in the land of the living.
"But I must say I don't think you are the best of managers," said M.
Plon with a magisterial sweep of his hand which took in all the poor
surroundings. "With your earnings you might do better than you do,
Madame Didier. One mouth to feed, one person to dress--"
"There is Perine," faltered poor Marie.
"Yes, there is Perine, and it is true those imbeciles have appetites
like wolves. Still--well, well, you must not suppose that I am blaming
you; on the contrary, it might surprise you to hear--"
M. Plon was edging his chair a little nearer to Madame Didier, and she
thought it was time to interrupt his explanation, so she said briskly:
"Ah, by the way, what news is there to-day in _Le Petit Journal?_"
"There is the great robbery."
"The great robbery! Where?"
"In the Rue Vivienne. The paper is full of it--jewellery, diamonds,
plate, treasures of all kinds carried off, chest and all, that's the
wonderful part of it, for a chest is not a thing to hide in your
pocket."
"And have they no clue?" asked Marie, much interested.
"Not yet, but there must have been a cart or a cab, or some vehicle in
the affair.
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