In jumping out of bed, he had at last just thought of a name for this company, such as he had long been seeking. The words 'Universal Bank' had suddenly flamed up before him, in letters of fire as it were, in the still dark room. 'The Universal Bank,' he kept on repeating whilst he dressed himself, 'the Universal Bank, that is both simple and grand; it takes in everything, covers the world. Yes, yes, it is excellent! the Universal Bank!'
Until half-past nine o'clock he walked up and down his spacious4 rooms, absorbed in doubt as to where he should begin hunting for the necessary millions in Paris. Twenty-five millions of francs—such a sum is still to be found at a turn of the street; it was rather the embarrassment5 of making a selection that made him reflect, for he wished to proceed with some method. He drank a glass of milk, and evinced no vexation when the coachman came up to tell him that his horse was not well, having undoubtedly6 caught cold, so that it would be prudent7 to send for the veterinary surgeon.
[Pg 82]
'All right, do so. I will take a cab,' said Saccard.
Once out of doors, however, he was surprised by the keen bitterness of the wind; it was like a sudden return of winter in this month of May, which only the night before had been so mild. It was not yet raining certainly, but dense8 yellow clouds were rising on the horizon. Still he did not take a cab; a walk, he thought, would warm him up; he might, first of all, go on foot to Mazaud's office, in the Rue9 de la Banque; for he had an idea of sounding the broker11 with regard to Daigremont, the well-known speculator, the lucky member of every syndicate. On reaching the Rue Vivienne, however, such a shower of hail and water fell from the sky, now overspread with livid clouds, that he took refuge under the carriage entrance of a house.
He had been standing12 there for a moment, watching the downpour, when, above the noise it made, there arose a jingling14 sound of gold, which attracted his attention. Continuous, light, and musical, this sound seemed to come from the bowels15 of the earth, as in some tale of the 'Arabian Nights.' He turned his head, took his bearings, and saw that he was standing in the doorway16 of a house occupied by a banker named Kolb, whose especial business it was to deal in gold. Buying up specie in states where it was cheap, he melted it, and sold it in ingots in the countries where it commanded higher prices; and thus, from morning till night, on casting days there arose from the basement that crystalline jingle17 of gold coins carried by the shovelful18 from cases to the melting-pot. The ears of the passers-by fairly rang with the sound from one year's end to the other. Saccard smiled with satisfaction as he heard this music, which was like the subterranean19 voice of the entire Bourse district. He interpreted it as a happy omen13.
The rain had ceased falling, so he crossed the Place, and at once found himself at Mazaud's. Unlike the majority of his colleagues, the young broker had his private abode20 on the first floor of the very house in which his offices were situated21. He had, in fact, simply taken over the rooms occupied by his uncle, when, on the latter's death, he had agreed with his joint22 heirs to purchase the business.
[Pg 83]
It was striking ten o'clock, and Saccard went straight up to the offices, at the door of which he met Gustave Sédille.
'Is Monsieur Mazaud in?'
'I do not know, monsieur; I have just come.'
The young man smiled; always a late arrival, he took things at his ease, like the mere23 unpaid24 amateur he was, quite resigned to spending a year or two in this fashion, in order to please his father, the silk manufacturer of the Rue des Je?neurs.
Saccard passed through the outer office, saluted26 by both cashiers, the one who dealt with specie and the one who dealt with stock, and then entered the room set aside for the two 'authorised clerks,' where he only found Berthier, the one whose duty was to receive customers, and who accompanied his employer to the Bourse.
'Is Monsieur Mazaud in?'
'Why, I think so; I just left his private room. But no—he isn't there. He must be in the "cash" office.'
He pushed open a door near at hand, and glanced round a rather large room, in which live employees were at work, under the orders of a head clerk.
'No; that's strange. Look for yourself in the "account" office there, yonder.'
Saccard entered the account office. It was there that the head accountant, the pivot27 of the business as it were, aided by seven employees,[12] went through the memorandum-book, handed him by the broker every afternoon after the Bourse, and entered to the various customers the sales and purchases which had been effected according to their orders. In doing this, he referred to the numerous fiches in order to ascertain28 the customers' names, for these did not appear in the memorandum-book, which contained only brief notes of the transactions: such a stock, such an amount bought or sold, at such a rate, from such a broker.
'Have you seen Monsieur Mazaud?' inquired Saccard.
But they did not even answer him. The head accountant[Pg 84] having gone out, three of the clerks were reading their newspapers, and two others were staring up at the ceiling; while the arrival of Gustave Sédille had just keenly interested little Flory, who in the morning made entries, and in the afternoon looked after the telegrams at the Bourse. Born at Saintes, of a father employed at the local registry office, he had started in life as a clerk to a Bordeaux banker; after which, reaching Paris towards the close of the previous autumn, he had entered Mazaud's office with no other prospect29 before him than the possible doubling of his salary in ten years' time. At first he had conducted himself well, performing his duties regularly and conscientiously30. But during the last month, since Gustave had entered the office, he had been going astray, led away by his new comrade—a fellow of very elegant tastes, and well provided with money—who was launching out in no small degree, and had made him acquainted with women. With bearded chin and cheeks, Flory was possessed31 of a sensual nose, an amiable32 mouth, and soft eyes; and he had now reached the point of indulging in little secret, inexpensive pleasure parties, with a figurante of the Variétés—a slim grasshopper33 from the Parisian pavements, the runaway34 daughter of a Montmartre door-porter. She was named Mdlle. Chuchu, and was fairly amusing with her papier-maché face, in which gleamed a pair of beautiful large brown eyes.
Standing behind Flory and Gustave Sédille, Saccard heard them whispering women's names. He smiled, and addressing himself to Flory, inquired: 'Haven't you seen Monsieur Mazaud?'
'Yes, monsieur, he came to give me an order, and then went down to his apartments again. I believe that his little boy is ill; he was told that the doctor had come. You had better ring at his door, for he will very likely go out without coming up again.'
Saccard thanked him, and hurried down to the floor below. Mazaud was one of the youngest of the official brokers35, and an extremely lucky man to boot; for by the death of his uncle he had come into one of the largest businesses in Paris[Pg 85] at an age when one can still learn. Though short, he was very pleasant-looking, with a small brown moustache and piercing black eyes; and he displayed great activity, and a very alert mind. He was already known in the corbeille for his vivacity36 of mind and body, such a desideratum in his calling, and one which, coupled with a keen scent37 and remarkable38 intuition, was sure to place him in the first rank; to say nothing of the fact that he possessed a shrill39 piercing voice, received direct information from foreign Bourses, did business with all the great bankers, and was reputed to have a second cousin employed at the Havas News Agency. His wife, whom he had married for love, and who had brought him a dowry of twelve hundred thousand francs, was a charming young woman, and had already presented him with two children, a little girl now three years and a boy some eighteen months old.
As Saccard came down he found Mazaud ushering40 out the doctor, who was laughingly tranquillising his paternal42 anxiety.
'Come in,' said the broker to Saccard. 'It's true, you know—with these little creatures you at once get anxious; the slightest ailment43, and you think them lost.'
So saying, he ushered44 him into the drawing-room, where his wife was still seated, holding the baby on her knees, while the little girl, glad to see her mother gay, was raising herself on tip-toe to kiss her.
'You see that we were foolish,' said he.
'Ah! that makes no difference, my friend,' she answered. 'I am so glad that he has reassured45 us!'
In presence of all this happiness, Saccard halted, bowing. The room, luxuriously47 furnished, was redolent of the happy life of this household, which nothing had yet disunited. During four years of wedlock48, Mazaud had been accused of nothing save a fleeting49 curiosity with regard to a vocalist at the Opéra Comique. He remained a faithful husband, just as he had the reputation of not yet speculating too heavily on his own account, despite all the natural impetuosity of youth. And a pleasant perfume of luck, of unclouded felicity could[Pg 86] really be detected here, amid the discreet50 peacefulness of the apartment, amid the delicious odour with which a large bouquet51 of roses, overflowing52 from a china vase, had scented53 the entire room.
Madame Mazaud, who was slightly acquainted with Saccard, addressed him gaily54: 'Is it not true, monsieur, one need only wish it to be always happy?'
'I am convinced of it, madame,' he answered. 'And besides, there are persons so beautiful and good that misfortune never dares to touch them.'
She had risen, radiant. Kissing her husband in her turn, she went out, carrying the little boy, and followed by the little girl, who had been hanging on her father's neck. The latter, wishing to hide his emotion, turned towards his visitor with the bantering55 remark: 'You see we don't lead a dull life here.'
Then he quickly added: 'You have something to say to me? Let us go upstairs, eh? We shall be more at our ease there.'
Up above, in the cashiers' office, Saccard recognised Sabatani, who had called for some money due to him; and he was surprised to see how cordially the broker shook hands with his customer. However, as soon as he was seated in Mazaud's private room, he explained his visit by questioning the broker as to the formalities which were necessary to secure the quotation56 of a new security in the official list. In a careless way he spoke57 of the affair which he was about to launch, the Universal Bank, with a capital of twenty-five millions. Yes, a financial establishment which would especially patronise certain great enterprises, which he just alluded58 to. Mazaud listened with perfect composure, and, in the most obliging way, explained the formalities that were requisite59. However he was in no wise duped; Saccard had certainly not called on him merely with reference to this trifling60 matter, and so when his visitor at last mentioned the name of Daigremont he gave an involuntary smile. Certainly Daigremont had a colossal61 fortune behind him; it was said that his fidelity62 was not of the surest; but then who[Pg 87] is faithful in business and in love? Nobody! For the rest, he (Mazaud) hardly cared to speak the full truth about Daigremont, for they had quarrelled, and their quarrel had been the talk of the whole Bourse. Daigremont now gave most of his orders to a Bordeaux Jew, named Jacoby, a tall man of sixty, with a broad, gay face, whose roaring voice was celebrated63, but who was growing heavy and corpulent; and there was a sort of rivalry64 between him and Mazaud, between the young man favoured by fortune and the elder who owed his position to long service, for Jacoby had been a mere authorised clerk until—financed by sleeping partners—he had finally succeeded in purchasing his employer's business. Though of very great experience and shrewdness, he was sorely handicapped by his passion for speculation65, and, in spite of considerable profits, always seemed on the eve of a catastrophe66. His money melted away on settling days.
'In any case,' concluded Mazaud, yielding at last to his resentment67 against the man he had quarrelled with, spite of all his scruples68, 'it is quite certain that Daigremont played his allies false in that Caraccas affair, and swept away the profits—I consider him a very dangerous man.' Then, after a pause, he added: 'But why don't you apply to Gundermann?'
'Never!' cried Saccard, in a fit of passion.
Just then Berthier, the authorised clerk, came in and whispered a few words in the broker's ear. The Baroness69 Sandorff had come to pay her losses, and was raising all sorts of quibbling objections by way of trying to reduce her account. Mazaud generally hastened to receive her in person, but, when she had lost, he avoided her like the plague, certain as he was that his gallantry would be put to too severe a test. There are no worse clients than women, for as soon as they have to pay money away they become absolutely dishonest.
'No, no; tell her that I am not in,' he answered testily70. 'And don't abate71 a centime, you understand?'
When Berthier had gone, seeing by Saccard's smile that he had heard him, he continued: 'It is true, my dear fellow, she's very pretty, but you have no idea of her rapacity72. Ah;[Pg 88] how our customers would love us if they always won! Yet the richer they are, the higher the society in which they move, God forgive me! the more I distrust them, the more I fear I may not be paid. Yes, there are days when, apart from the large banking73 houses, I could wish that my connection was purely74 a provincial75 one.'
Just then a clerk came in, handed him some papers that he had asked for that morning, and then went out.
'See here!' he resumed, 'here is a receiver of dividends76 at Vend77?me, a man named Fayeux. Well, you can have no idea of the number of orders that I receive from him. To be sure, these orders, taken singly, are modest ones, coming as they do from folks of the petty bourgeoisie, shopkeepers and farmers. But there are so many of them. Really, the best of our business, the very foundation of it, will be found among the people of modest means, the crowd of nobodies who speculate.'
This somehow reminded Saccard of Sabatani, whom he had seen in the cashiers' office.
'I see that you have Sabatani now,' said he.
'I have had him for a year, I believe,' replied the broker, with an air of amiable indifference78. 'He's a pleasant fellow, isn't he? He began in a small way, he is very prudent, and he will end by making something.'
What he did not say, what he no longer even remembered, was that Sabatani had merely deposited two thousand francs with him by way of 'cover.' Hence the moderate ventures at the outset. Undoubtedly, like many others, the Levantine expected that the insignificance80 of this 'cover' would be forgotten; and he evinced great prudence81, increasing his orders in a stealthy gradual fashion, pending25 the day when, with a heavy settlement to meet, it would be necessary for him to disappear. But how could one distrust such a charming fellow, whose friend one has become? How could one doubt his solvency82 when one sees him gay, well-dressed, 'got up' in that elegant style which is indispensable, the very uniform, as it were, of robbery at the Bourse?
'Very pleasant, very intelligent,' repeated Saccard, suddenly[Pg 89] resolving to remember Sabatani whenever he might need a discreet and unscrupulous fellow. Then, rising and taking leave, he said: 'Well, good-bye; when our stock is ready, I will see you again, before trying to get it quoted.'
And as Mazaud shook hands with him on the threshold, saying: 'You are wrong; you had better see Gundermann for your syndicate,' he again shouted in a fury: 'No, never!'
On leaving the broker's private room, he recognised Moser and Pillerault in the cashiers' office; the first was pocketing with a woeful air his fortnight's profits of seven or eight thousand francs; while the other, who had lost, paid over ten thousand francs with a loud voice, and a proud, aggressive air, as if after a victory. The luncheon83 and Bourse hour was approaching, and the office would then partly empty. Meantime, from the 'account' office, the door of which was ajar, there came a sound of laughter, provoked by a story which Gustave was telling Flory—a story of a boating party, at which a coxswain of the softer sex had fallen into the Seine.
On reaching the street, Saccard consulted his watch. Eleven o'clock—what a lot of time he had lost! No, he would not go to Daigremont's; and although he had flown into a passion at the very mention of Gundermann's name, he suddenly decided84 to go to see him. Besides, had he not warned him of his visit on that occasion at Champeaux' restaurant, when he had spoken to him of his great scheme by way of silencing his malicious85 laugh? He even excused the visit on the plea that he did not wish to get anything out of the man, but simply desired to confront and triumph over one who ever affected86 to treat him as an urchin87. And so, as a fresh shower began to lash88 the pavement with a flood of water, he leaped into a cab, bidding the Jehu drive him to the Rue de Provence.
Gundermann there occupied an immense mansion89, just large enough for his innumerable family. He had five daughters and four sons, of whom three daughters and three sons were married, and these had already given him fourteen grandchildren. At the evening meal, when all were gathered together, there were, counting his wife and himself, thirty-one[Pg 90] at table. And, excepting two of his sons-in-law, who did not live in the house, all had their apartments there, in the left and right wings facing the garden; for the central block was entirely90 occupied by the spacious banking offices. In less than a century a monstrous91 fortune of a milliard of francs[13] had been amassed92 by this one family, thanks partly to thrift93, and partly to fortunate combinations of circumstances. This wealth seemed a sort of predestination, which keen intelligence, persistent94 labour, prudent and invincible95 effort—continually directed to the same end—had largely assisted. Every river of gold now flowed into that sea; other millions were absorbed by those which Gundermann already possessed; it was a swallowing-up of the public wealth by the ever-increasing wealth of a single individual; and Gundermann was the true master, the omnipotent96 king, feared and obeyed by Paris and by the world.
As Saccard ascended97 the broad stone stairway, the steps of which were worn by the continual ascent98 and descent of scores of feet—more worn indeed than the thresholds of many old churches—he felt inextinguishable hatred99 for this man rising within him. Ah! the Jew! Against the Jew he harboured all the old racial resentment, to be found especially in the South of France; and it was something like a revolt of his very flesh, a repugnance100 of the skin, which, at the idea of the slightest contact, filled him with disgust and anger, a sensation which no reasoning could allay101, which he was quite unable to overcome. And the singular thing was that he, Saccard, the terrible company promoter, the spendthrift with unclean hands, lost all self-consciousness as soon as a Jew was in question, and spoke of him with the harshness, the revengeful indignation of an honest man who lives by the labour of his arms, unstained by any usurious dealings. He indicted102 the whole Hebrew race, the cursed race without a country, without a prince, which lives as a parasite103 upon the nations, pretending to recognise their laws, but in reality only obeying its Jehovah—its God of robbery, blood, and wrath104; and he pointed105 to it fulfilling on all sides the mission of ferocious[Pg 91] conquest which this God has assigned to it, establishing itself among every people, like a spider in the centre of its web, in order to watch its prey106, to suck the blood of one and all, to fatten107 itself by devouring109 others. 'Did anyone ever see a Jew working with his fingers?' he would ask.[14] Were there any Jewish peasants and working men? 'No,' he would say; 'labour disgraces, their religion almost forbids it, exalting110 only the exploitation of the labour of others. Ah! the rogues111!' Saccard's rage was all the greater because he admired them, envied their prodigious112 financial faculties113, that innate114 knowledge of arithmetic, that natural facility evinced by them in the most complicated operations, that scent and that luck which assure triumph in everything they undertake. 'Christians,' he would say, 'make sorry financial rogues, they always end by coming to grief; but take a Jew who does not even understand book-keeping, throw him into the troubled waters of any shady affair, and he will not only save himself, but bring out all the profit on his back.' It was the gift of the race, the reason why it ever subsisted116 among all the other nationalities that start up and disappear. And he would passionately117 predict the final conquest of every nation by the Jews, when they should at last have secured possession of the entire fortune of the globe, a feat118 which it would not take them long to accomplish, since they were allowed every day to freely extend their kingdom, and one could already see in Paris a Gundermann reigning119 on a firmer and more respected throne than the Emperor's.
When, after climbing the stairs, he was on the point of entering the spacious ante-room, he felt an inclination120 to turn back, for he saw that it was full of remisiers and other applicants121, a tumultuous swarming123 crowd of men and women. The remisiers especially were struggling for first place, in the improbable hope of carrying off an order; for the great banker had his own agents; but it was already an honour, a[Pg 92] recommendation, even to be received by him, and each of them wished to be able to boast of it. Accordingly the 'waits' were never long, the two office attendants had little else to do than to organise124 the procession—a continuous procession it was, a real gallop125 through the swinging doors. And thus, in spite of the crowd, Saccard was almost immediately admitted with the stream.
Gundermann's private office was a vast apartment, of which he simply occupied a little corner at the farther end, near the last window. Seated at a simple mahogany writing table, he was so placed as to turn his back to the light, his face remaining completely in the shade. Up at five o'clock every morning, he was at work when Paris was still asleep; and when at about nine the scramble126 of appetites began, rushing past him at a gallop, his day's work was already done. In the middle of the office, and at larger tables, stood two of his sons, and one of his sons-in-law who assisted him, rarely sitting down, but moving about hither and thither127 amid a world of clerks. All this, however, was the inner working of the establishment. The crowd from the street went straight across the room to him, the master, seated in his modest corner, as for hours and hours he held this open reception with an impassive gloomy air, often contenting himself with a mere sign, and only now and again speaking a word when he wished to appear particularly amiable.
As soon as he perceived Saccard, a faint, somewhat sarcastic128 smile lighted up his face.
'Ah! so it's you, my friend,' he said. 'Be seated a moment, if you have anything to say to me. I will be at your disposal directly.'
Then he pretended to forget him. Saccard, however, was not impatient, for he felt interested in the procession of remisiers, who, at each other's heels, entered the room with the same profound bow, drawing from their irreproachable129 frock coats the same little cards setting forth130 the same Bourse quotations131, which they presented to the banker with the same suppliant132 and respectful gestures. Ten of them, twenty of them, passed by; the banker each time took the list, glanced[Pg 93] at it and then returned it; and nothing equalled the patience he displayed beneath this avalanche133 of offers, unless indeed it were his absolute indifference.
At last Massias appeared, with the gay yet anxious air of a good dog who is often whipped. At times folks received him so badly that he could have cried. That day, undoubtedly, his stock of humility134 was exhausted135, for he ventured to insist in the most unexpected fashion.
'See! monsieur, Mobiliers are very low. How much shall I buy for you?'
Without taking the proffered136 list, Gundermann raised his sea-green eyes upon this young man, who was so familiar, and roughly answered: 'I say, my friend, do you think it amuses me to receive you?'
'Well, monsieur,' retorted Massias, turning pale, 'it amuses me still less to come every morning for nothing, as I have done for three months past.'
'Then don't come again.'
The remisier bowed and withdrew, after exchanging with Saccard the furious, distressful137 glance of one who has suddenly become conscious that he will never make his fortune.
Saccard meantime was asking himself what interest Gundermann could have in receiving all these people. Evidently he had a special power of isolating138 himself; he remained absorbed, continued thinking. Moreover, in all this there must be some question of discipline, a habit of passing the market in review every morning, which invariably conduced to some little profit or other. In a greedy fashion Gundermann deducted139 eighty francs from the amount claimed by some jobber140 to whom he had given an order the day before, and who, it should be said, was certainly robbing him. Then a dealer141 in curiosities arrived, bringing an enamelled gold box of the last century, which had been considerably142 restored, a trick which the banker immediately scented. Next came two ladies, an old one with the beak143 of a night-bird, and a young one, a very beautiful brunette; they wished to show him at their house a Louis XV. commode, which he promptly144 refused to go and see. Then came a jeweller with some[Pg 94] rubies145, a couple of inventors, some Englishmen, Germans, and Italians, folks of both sexes and every language. And meantime the procession of remisiers went on just the same, between the other visits, endless to all appearance, with an incessant146 repetition of one and the same gesture—the mechanical presentation of the list; while, as the hour for the opening of the Bourse approached, the clerks crossed the room in greater numbers than ever, bringing telegrams, or coming to ask for signatures.
But the tumult122 reached a climax147 when a little boy of five or six, riding astride a stick, burst into the office, playing a trumpet148 and followed by two other children—little girls, one three years old, and the other eight—who besieged149 their grandfather's arm-chair, tugged150 at his arms, and hung upon his neck; to all which he placidly151 submitted, kissing them with all the Jewish passion for one's offspring—the numerous progeny152 which yields strength, and which one defends.
Suddenly, however, he seemed to remember Saccard: 'Ah! my good friend, you must excuse me; you see that I haven't a minute to myself. Come now, explain your business to me.'
And he was beginning to listen to him, when an employee, who had introduced a tall, fair gentleman, came to whisper a name in his ear. He rose promptly, yet without haste, and went to confer with the gentleman in question at another window, while one of his sons continued receiving the remisiers and coulissiers in his stead.
In spite of his secret irritation153, Saccard was beginning to experience a feeling of respect. In the tall, fair gentleman he had recognised the ambassador of one of the Great Powers, full of arrogance154 at the Tuileries, but here standing with his head slightly inclined, smiling like one who solicits155 some favour. At other times officials of high rank in the public service, the Emperor's ministers themselves, would be received standing in this way, in this room as public as a square, and resounding156 with the noisy mirth of children. And here was affirmed the universal sovereignty of this man, who had his own ambassadors in every court of the world, his consuls157 in every province, his agents in every city, and his vessels158 on every[Pg 95] sea. He was not a speculator, a soldier of fortune man?uvring with the millions of others, dreaming, like Saccard, of heroic combats in which he should prove conqueror159 and win colossal booty for himself, thanks to the aid of mercenary gold enlisted160 under his orders; he was, as he quietly said, a simple money merchant, but the most shrewd, most careful there could be. Nevertheless, to establish his power, it was essential that he should rule the Bourse; and so with each settlement there was a new battle, in which the victory infallibly remained with him, thanks to the decisive power of his big battalions161. For a moment, Saccard, as he sat watching him, was overwhelmed by the thought that all the money which this man set in motion was his own, that he held in his cellars an inexhaustible supply, in which he trafficked like a shrewd and prudent merchant, like an absolute master, obeyed at a glance, bent162 on hearing everything, seeing everything, doing everything himself. A milliard of one's own thus manipulated is an invincible force.
'We shan't have a minute, my good friend,' said Gundermann, when he came back. 'I am going to breakfast; come with me into the next room. Perhaps they will leave us in peace there.'
It was the little dining-room of the mansion, the one used for the morning meal, and where the entire family was never gathered together. That day there were only nineteen at table, eight of them children. The banker sat in the middle, and all he had in front of him was a bowl of milk.
He remained for a moment with his eyes closed, exhausted by fatigue163, his face very pale and contracted; for he suffered from a complaint of the liver and the kidneys. Then, when with trembling hands he had lifted the bowl to his lips, and had drunk a mouthful, he sighed: 'Ah! I am tired out to-day.'
'Why do you not take a rest?' asked Saccard.
Gundermann turned his eyes upon him in astonishment164, and na?vely answered: 'But I can't.'
In fact, he was not allowed even to drink his milk in peace, for the reception of the remisiers had begun again; the gallop now went on across the dining-room, while the members of the family, men and women, accustomed to all this stir and[Pg 96] bustle165, laughed and ate heartily166 of the cold meats and pastries167, and the children, excited by two thimblefuls of pure wine, raised a deafening168 din10.
Meantime Saccard, who was still watching him, marvelled169 at seeing him slowly swallow his milk with such an effort that it seemed as if he would never manage to empty the bowl. He had been put on a milk diet; he was no longer allowed to touch even a bit of meat or pastry170. And that being the case, thought Saccard, of what use was his milliard to him? Moreover, women had never tempted171 him; for forty years he had remained strictly173 faithful to his wife; and now virtue174 was compulsory175 on his part, irrevocably definitive176. Why then should he rise at five o'clock, ply2 this awful trade, weigh himself down with such immense fatigue, lead a galley-slave's life which no beggar would have accepted, with his memory crammed177 with figures, and his skull178 fairly bursting with a whole world of cares? Why, too, add so much useless gold to so much gold already possessed, when one may not buy and eat so much as a pound of cherries, or carry a passing girl off to some waterside wineshop, when one may not enjoy any of the things that are sold, nor even idleness and liberty? And Saccard, who despite his terrible appetites made due allowance for the disinterested179 love of money, simply for the power that it gives, felt seized with a sort of holy terror as he gazed upon that face, not that of the classical miser180 who hoards181, but that of the blameless workman, without a fleshly instinct, who in his ailing182 old age had become as it were an abstract of himself, and obstinately183 continued building his tower of millions, with the sole dream of bequeathing it to his descendants, that they might raise it yet higher, until it should overshadow the entire earth.
At last Gundermann leaned over, and let him explain in an undertone the projected launching of the Universal Bank. Saccard, however, was sparing of details, simply alluding185 to the schemes in Hamelin's portfolio186, for from the first words he had felt that the banker was trying to draw him, with the predetermination to refuse him his support.
'Another bank, my good friend, another bank!' he repeated[Pg 97] in his sneering187 way. But the affair into which I would sooner put my money would be a machine, yes, a guillotine, to cut off the heads of all the banks already established.... A rake, eh? to clean out the Bourse. Your engineer hasn't something of that sort among his papers, has he?' Then, affecting a paternal air, he continued with tranquil41 cruelty: 'Come, be reasonable; you know what I told you. You are wrong to go into business again; I render you a real service in refusing to launch your syndicate; you will inevitably188 come to grief, it is mathematically certain, for you are much too enthusiastic, you have too much imagination; and besides, matters always end badly when one deals with other people's money. Why doesn't your brother find you a good post, eh? a prefecture, or else a financial receivership—no, not a receivership, that also is too dangerous. Beware, my good friend, beware.'
Saccard had risen, quivering: 'You have made up your mind, then; you won't take any stock, you won't be with us?'
'With you? Never in my life. You will be cleared out within three years.'
There was a spell of silence, instinct with conflict; a sharp exchange of defiant189 glances.
'Then, good afternoon. I have not breakfasted yet, and am very hungry. We shall see who will be cleared out.'
And thereupon Saccard left the great financier in the midst of his tribe; and whilst they finished noisily stuffing themselves with pastry, the master went on receiving the last belated brokers, wearily closing his eyes every now and then, and draining his bowl with little sips190, his lips all white with milk.
Throwing himself into his cab, Saccard gave his own address, Rue Saint-Lazare. One o'clock was striking, the day was lost; he was going home to lunch quite beside himself. Ah! the dirty Jew! There indeed was a fellow whom he would have been pleased to crunch191 with his teeth as a dog crunches192 a bone! Certainly he was a terrible morsel193, too big to eat. But could one ever tell? The greatest empires had crumbled194, a time always comes when the powerful succumb195.[Pg 98] And without eating him entirely at the first bite, might he not manage to get his teeth into him, tear from him some shreds196 of his milliard? That done, yes, he might afterwards eat him—why not?—and in the person of their undisputed king destroy those Jews who thought the feast to be entirely intended for themselves. These reflections, this wrath with which he had come away from Gundermann's, filled Saccard with a furious hankering, an imperative197 desire for traffic, immediate success. He would have liked to found his banking-house, set it working, triumph and crush all rival houses at a wave of his hand. All at once, the thought of Daigremont came back to him; and without debating the matter, swayed by an irresistible198 impulse, he leaned forward and called to the driver to go up the Rue Larochefoucauld. If he wanted to see Daigremont, he must make haste and postpone199 lunch till later, for he knew that it was Daigremont's habit to go out at about one o'clock. No doubt this Christian115 was worse than any two Jews, and passed for an ogre who devoured200 the young enterprises entrusted201 to his care. But at that moment Saccard would have negotiated with Cartouche[15] himself in order to conquer, and even on condition of dividing the spoil. Later on, they would see, he himself would prove the stronger.
Meanwhile the cab, after ascending202 the steep hill with some difficulty, stopped in front of the lofty monumental entrance of one of the last grand mansions203 of this neighbourhood, which once had some very fine ones. The detached buildings, at the rear of a vast paved courtyard, wore an air of royal grandeur204; and the garden beyond, in which centenarian trees were still growing, remained a veritable park, isolated205 from the populous206 streets. All Paris knew that mansion for its splendid entertainments, and especially for the admirable collection of pictures assembled there, which not a grand-duke on his travels failed to visit. Married to a woman who was famous for her beauty, like his pictures were for theirs, and who had achieved a great success in society as a vocalist, the master of the house led a princely life, was as proud of his racing207 stable as of his gallery, belonged to one of[Pg 99] the principal clubs, paraded the most costly208 women, and had a box at the Opera, a chair at the H?tel Drouot,[16] and a foot-stool at the questionable209 resorts most in vogue210. And all this profuse211 life, this luxury coruscating212 in an apotheosis213 of caprice and art, was entirely paid for by speculation, by a fortune which was incessantly214 on the move, and which seemed infinite like the sea, though, like the sea, it had its ebb215 and flow—balances in one or the other sense of two and three hundred thousand francs at each fortnightly settlement.
When Saccard had climbed the majestic216 entrance steps, a valet announced him, and escorted him through three reception rooms filled with marvels217, to a little smoking room where Daigremont was finishing a cigar before going out. Already forty-five years of age, and struggling against stoutness218, he was of high stature219 and very elegant, with his hair carefully trimmed, and wearing only a moustache and imperial, like a fanatic220 of the Tuileries. He affected great amiability221, having absolute confidence in himself, a firm conviction of conquering.
He at once darted222 forward. 'Ah! my dear friend, what is becoming of you?' said he. 'Only the other day I was thinking about you. But are you not now my neighbour?'
He calmed down, however, and set aside this effusive223 manner, which he kept for the common herd224, when Saccard, deeming it useless to beat about the bush, forthwith broached225 the object of his visit, expatiating226 on his great enterprise, and explaining that, before establishing the Universal Bank with a capital of twenty-five millions of francs, he wished to form a syndicate of friends—bankers and manufacturers—who would pressure the success of the issue by agreeing to take four-fifths of the shares, that was, some forty thousand. Daigremont had become very serious, and listened to him, and watched him, as if searching to the depths of his brain, to ascertain what effort, what labour useful to himself, he might yet get out of this man whom he had known so active, so full of marvellous qualities amidst all his blundering fever. At first he hesitated. 'No, no,' said he, 'I am overwhelmed[Pg 100] already; I do not wish to take anything fresh in hand.'
Then, tempted nevertheless, he asked some questions, wished to know what projects the new venture would patronise, projects which Saccard was prudent enough to speak about with the extremest reserve. And when Daigremont had been made acquainted with the first enterprise which it was intended to launch, that idea of syndicating all the Mediterranean227 transport companies under the name of the United Steam Navigation Company, he seemed very much struck with it, and suddenly yielded.
'Well, I consent to go in. But on one condition only. How do you stand with your brother, the minister?'
Saccard was so surprised at the question that he frankly228 displayed his rancour. 'With my brother? Oh! he does his business, and I do mine. He hasn't very fraternal feelings, that brother of mine.'
'Then so much the worse!' flatly declared Daigremont. 'I won't be with you unless your brother is with you too. You understand, I won't have you two at loggerheads together.'
With an angry gesture of impatience229 Saccard began protesting. What need had they of Rougon? Would it not be seeking chains with which to bind230 themselves hand and foot? But at the same time the voice of prudence, stronger than his irritation, repeated to him that it was at least necessary that they should assure themselves of the great man's neutrality. And yet, after all, he brutally231 refused. 'No, no, he has always been too hoggish232 with me. I will never take the first step.'
'Listen,' resumed Daigremont. 'I expect Huret here at five o'clock with respect to a commission he has undertaken for me. You will hurry off to the Corps233 Législatif, take Huret into a corner, tell him your plans, and he will at once speak of the matter to Rougon, find out what the latter thinks of it, and we shall have the answer here at five o'clock. That's it, eh? An appointment here at five o'clock?'
With his head low, Saccard reflected. 'Mon Dieu!' said he, 'if you insist upon it.'
[Pg 101]
'Oh, absolutely! Without Rougon, nothing; with Rougon, anything you like.'
'All right, I will go then.'
They had shaken hands vigorously, and Saccard had started off, when the other called him back. 'Ah, I say, if you find things promising234, just call on your way back upon the Marquis de Bohain and Sédille; tell them that I am going in, and ask them to join—I want them with us.'
At the door Saccard found his cab, which he had kept, although he had only to go down to the end of the street to get home. He now dismissed the vehicle, in the idea that he could have his own horse in the afternoon; and then he hurried back to get something to eat. They had long since given him up; however, the cook served him a bit of cold meat, which he devoured whilst quarrelling with the coachman; for when the latter had been summoned, and had given an account of the veterinary surgeon's visit, it appeared that the horse must be allowed three or four days' rest. Thereupon Saccard, with his mouth full, accused the coachman of neglect, and threatened him with Madame Caroline, who would see to it all. Finally, he shouted for him to go for another cab. Just then a diluvian shower again swept the street, and he had to wait more than a quarter of an hour for a vehicle, into which he stepped, under the torrential downpour, shouting the address: 'To the Corps Législatif!'
His plan was to arrive before the sitting, so that he might get hold of Huret, and quietly interview him. Unfortunately an exciting debate was feared that day, for a member of the Left was to bring up the eternal question of Mexico, and Rougon no doubt would be obliged to reply.
As Saccard entered the Salle des Pas Perdus,[17] he was lucky enough to meet the deputy, and led him into one of the little reception-rooms near by, where they found themselves alone, thanks to the great excitement prevailing235 in the lobbies. The opposition236 was growing more and more formidable, a wind of catastrophe was beginning to blow—a wind destined237 to increase and sweep everything away. Thus Huret, who was[Pg 102] very preoccupied238, did not at first understand Saccard, and the latter had to repeat his request. On the deputy realising what was wanted of him, his dismay increased: 'Oh, my dear friend, how can you think of such a thing!' he exclaimed. 'Speak to Rougon at such a moment as this! He will send me to the deuce, you may be sure of it.'
Then his anxiety as to his personal interests became manifest. His very existence depended on the great man, to whom he owed his selection as an official candidate, his election, his situation as a kind of general servant living on the crumbs239 of his master's favour. By following this calling for a couple of years, he had, thanks to bribes240 and pickings prudently241 realised, been able to increase his extensive Calvados estates, intending to retire and enthrone himself there after the Downfall.
His fat, cunning, peasant-like face had now darkened, and expressed all the embarrassment he felt at this sudden request for intervention242, which gave him no time to consider whether he would gain or lose thereby243. 'No, no! I cannot,' he repeated. 'I told you your brother's decision; I cannot disturb him again. The devil! think of me a little. He's by no means gentle when he's bothered; and, plainly now, I've no desire to pay for you at the cost of my own credit.'
Thereupon, Saccard, understanding, strove to convince him that millions of money were to be gained by the launching of the Universal Bank. With broad touches and glowing words, which transformed a pecuniary244 affair into a poet's tale, he explained all the superb enterprises which were in view, and dwelt on their certain and colossal success. Daigremont, whose enthusiasm was roused, would place himself at the head of the syndicate. Bohain and Sédille had already asked to come into it. It was impossible that he, Huret, should not be one of them: the others absolutely wanted him to join them on account of his high political position. They even hoped that he would consent to become a member of the board of directors, for his name was a guarantee of method and probity245.
At this promise that he should be made a director, the[Pg 103] deputy looked Saccard full in the face. 'Well, what is it that you want of me, what reply do you wish me to get from Rougon?' he asked.
'Oh! for my part,' replied Saccard, 'I would willingly have dispensed246 with my brother. But Daigremont insists on a reconciliation247. Perhaps he is right—so I think that you ought simply to speak of our affair to the terrible fellow, and obtain, if not his help, at least a promise that he won't oppose us.'
Huret, his eyes half closed, still seemed undecided.
'You see, if you can only draw an amiable word from him—just an amiable word, you understand—Daigremont will be satisfied with it, and we will settle the matter this afternoon between us three.'
'Well, I will try,' suddenly declared the deputy, affecting a peasant's bluntness, 'but I shall only do so for your sake, for he is not a pleasant customer by any means—no indeed, especially when the Left is tormenting248 him. At five o'clock, then?'
'At five o'clock.'
For nearly an hour longer Saccard lingered at the Palais Bourbon, greatly disturbed by the rumours249 of battle which were afloat. Hearing one of the great orators250 of the Opposition announce that he meant to speak, he momentarily felt a desire to go in search of Huret again, and ask him if it would not be prudent to postpone the interview with Rougon until the next day. Then, fatalist that he was, believing in chance, he trembled lest he might compromise everything if he altered existing arrangements. Perhaps, too, in the scramble, his brother would the more readily speak the desired word. And thereupon, in order to let things take their course, he started off, and again got into his cab, which was already recrossing the Pont de la Concorde, when he recollected251 the desire expressed by Daigremont: 'Driver,' he called, 'Rue de Babylone.'
It was in the Rue de Babylone that the Marquis de Bohain lived, occupying a grand mansion's former dependencies—a pavilion which had once sheltered stablemen, but had now been transformed into a very comfortable modern house, the[Pg 104] luxurious46 appointments of which were coquettishly aristocratic. The Marquis's wife, by the way, was never seen; her health was bad, he said; infirmities kept her in her apartments. Nevertheless, the house and furniture were hers; he lived with her only as a lodger252, having nothing of his own save his clothes, a trunkful, which he could have carried away on a cab. He and she had been legally separated, so far as estate went, since he had begun living by speculation. On two disastrous253 occasions already he had flatly refused to pay up what he owed, and the official receiver, after looking into matters, had not even taken the trouble to send him any stamped paper. The sponge was passed over the claims against him. He pocketed as long as he won, but as soon as he lost he did not pay; folks knew it, and resigned themselves to it. On the other hand, he bore an illustrious name, and his presence and manners were of a kind to adorn254 a board of directors, so that new companies in search of a little gilding255 disputed with each other for his services, and he never knew a slack time. At the Bourse he had his chair on the Rue Notre-Dame-des-Victoires side frequented by the rich speculators, who pretended to take no interest in the little rumours of the day. They respected and frequently consulted him. He had often influenced the market. And, briefly256, he was quite a personage.
Though Saccard knew the Marquis well, he was nevertheless impressed by the loftily polite reception accorded him by this handsome old man of sixty, whose small head was perched upon a colossal body, a brown wig257 setting off his pale face, the expression of which was exceedingly aristocratic.
'Monsieur le Marquis, I come as a veritable solicitor,' said Saccard, explaining the motive258 of his visit, but without entering into details.
At his first words, however, the Marquis stopped him. 'No no, all my time is taken. I have at this moment a dozen proposals which I must refuse.'
Then, as Saccard added, smiling, 'Daigremont sent me; he thought of you,' he immediately exclaimed, 'Oh! is Daigremont in it? Well, well, if Daigremont is with you, so am I. Rely on me.'
[Pg 105]
Then, as his visitor wished to furnish him with at least a little information, so that he might know what sort of an undertaking259 he was joining, he closed his mouth, with the amiable, easy-going manner of a grand seigneur, who does not descend184 to such details, and has a natural confidence in people's probity.
'Not another word, I beg of you. I do not wish to know. You need my name, I lend it to you, and I am very glad to do so; that is all. Simply tell Daigremont to arrange the matter to his liking260.'
On stepping into his cab again, Saccard, feeling quite gay, laughed inwardly. 'He will cost us dear,' he thought, 'but he is really charming.' Then he added aloud: 'Driver, Rue des Je?neurs.'
It was here that Sédille had his warehouses261 and offices on a vast ground-floor at the far end of a courtyard. After thirty years' toil262, Sédille, who was a native of Lyons and had retained some workshops there, had at last succeeded in making his silk business one of the best known and best established in Paris, when a passion for gambling263, due to chance circumstances, broke out and spread within him with the destructive violence of a conflagration264. A couple of strokes, which one after the other yielded him considerable profit, made him altogether lose his head. What was the use of giving thirty years of one's life to the earning of a paltry265 million, when, in a single hour, by a simple transaction at the Bourse, one can put the same amount in one's pocket? From that time he gradually ceased to take any interest in his business, which simply continued working thanks to pre-acquired motive power. He lived in the sole hope of some triumphant266 stroke of speculation; and, having fallen on a vein267 of persistent ill-luck, soon sank in gambling all the profits of his business. The worst of such a fever as this is that a man becomes disgusted with legitimate268 gains, and finally even loses an exact idea of money. And ruin lay inevitably at the end, for in vain did the Lyons workshops bring Sédille in a couple of hundred thousand francs a year, since speculation swept away three hundred thousand.
[Pg 106]
Saccard found him agitated269 and anxious, for this merchant gambler lacked phlegm and philosophy. He lived in a state of remorse270, always hoping, always dejected, sick with uncertainty271, and all this because he was still honest at heart. The settlement at the end of April had proved disastrous to him. However, his fat face, fringed with large fair whiskers, flushed at the first words: 'Ah! my dear fellow, if it is luck that you bring me, you are welcome!' Then seized with a fit of terror, he added: 'But no, no, do not tempt172 me. I should do better to shut myself up with my goods, and never stir from my counting-house.'
Wishing to let him calm himself, Saccard began speaking to him of his son Gustave, whom he had seen, he said, that morning at Mazaud's. But to the merchant this was another subject of chagrin272, for he had dreamt of transferring the responsibility of his establishment to this son, and the latter despised commercial pursuits, and cared only for mirth and festivity, having the white teeth of a parvenu's son, teeth only fit to devour108 the fortune that might some day fall to them. Still, his father had placed him with Mazaud to see if he would nibble273 at finance.
'Since the death of his poor mother,' murmured the manufacturer, 'he has given me very little satisfaction. But in a broker's office he will perhaps learn some things that may be useful to me.'
'Well,' resumed Saccard abruptly274, 'are you with us? Daigremont told me to come and tell you that he was going in.'
Sédille raised his trembling arms to heaven, and, in a voice expressive275 both of desire and fear, replied: 'Why, yes, I am with you. You know very well that I can't do otherwise than go in with you! If I should refuse and your enterprise should prosper276, I should fall ill with regret. Tell Daigremont that I will go in.'
When Saccard found himself in the street again, he pulled out his watch, and saw that it was scarcely four o'clock. The time that he had before him, and the desire that he felt to walk a little, induced him to dismiss his cab. He repented277 of[Pg 107] it almost immediately, however, for he had not reached the boulevard when a fresh shower, a deluge278 of water mingled279 with hail, again forced him to take refuge in a doorway. What cursed weather, when one had to scour280 Paris! After watching the rain fall for a quarter of an hour, he grew impatient again, and hailed an empty cab which was passing. It was a victoria, and in vain did he tuck the leather apron281 about his legs, for he was quite drenched282 when he reached the Rue Larochefoucauld, a good half-hour before his time.
The valet stated that his master had not yet returned, but conducted him to the smoking-room, where with slow short steps he paced up and down looking at the pictures. Then as a superb female voice, a contralto of deep and melancholy283 power, suddenly broke the silence of the mansion, he approached the open window to listen: it was Madame Daigremont rehearsing at her piano a composition which she doubtless meant to sing that evening in some salon284. Lulled285 by the music, Saccard began thinking of the extraordinary stories that had been told him of Daigremont: the story of the Adamantine Company especially, that loan of fifty millions, all the securities of which he had kept in hand, selling them and re-selling them five times in succession, through agents of his own, until he had created a market, established a price for them. Then had come the genuine sale, followed by the inevitable286 fall from three hundred to fifteen francs, enormous profits being made out of a little world of simpletons, who were ruined at one blow. Ah! Daigremont was indeed a strong, a terrible man. Meantime his wife's voice still rang out, exhaling287 a wild, loving plaint of tragic288 intensity289; while Saccard, stepping back to the middle of the room, halted before a Meissonier, which he valued at a hundred thousand francs.
Just then, however, some one came in, and on turning he was surprised to recognise Huret. 'What! here already? It is not yet five o'clock. Is the sitting over, then?'
'Over! what an idea! They are still squabbling.'
And thereupon he explained that, as the deputy of the[Pg 108] Opposition was still speaking, Rougon would certainly not be able to answer until the next day. On realising that, he had ventured to tackle the minister, during a short adjournment290, between two doors.
'Well,' asked Saccard nervously291, 'and what did my illustrious brother say?'
Huret did not answer immediately. 'Oh! he was as surly as a bear. I will own that I relied on the exasperation292 in which I found him, for I hoped that he would simply tell me to be off. Well, I told him of your affair, and said that you did not wish to undertake anything without his approval.'
'And then?'
'Then he seized me by both arms, and shook me, shouting in my face: "Let him go and get hanged!" and there he planted me.'
Saccard, who had turned pale, gave a forced laugh. 'That was pleasant,' said he.
'Why yes, pleasant indeed,' answered the deputy, in a tone of conviction. 'I did not ask for so much; with that we can go ahead.' Then as in the next room he heard the footfall of Daigremont, who had just returned, he added in a low voice: 'Let me arrange it all.'
It was becoming evident that Huret greatly desired to see the Universal Bank established, and to become connected with it. No doubt he had already satisfied himself as to what kind of part he might play in the affair. Consequently, as soon as he had shaken hands with Daigremont, he put on a radiant expression, and waved his arm in the air. 'Victory!' he exclaimed, 'victory!'
'Ah! really. Tell me about it.'
'Well! the great man did as he was bound to do. He answered me, "Let my brother succeed!"'
Daigremont was in an ecstasy293, so charming did he find the phrase 'Let him succeed!' It implied everything: 'If he is so stupid as not to succeed, I shall drop him; but let him succeed, and I will assist him.' Really it was quite exquisite294!
'And, my dear Saccard, we shall succeed,' said Daigremont.[Pg 109] 'Be easy on that point. We are going to do everything that is necessary to that end.'
Then, the three men having sat down, in order to decide upon the principal points, Daigremont rose up and went to close the window; for his wife's voice, gradually swelling295 in volume, was giving vent79 to a sob296 of infinite despair, which prevented them from hearing one another. And even with the window closed, the stifled297 lamentation298 resounded299 like an accompaniment while they decided upon founding a financial establishment to be called the Universal Bank, with a capital of twenty-five millions of francs, divided into fifty thousand shares of five hundred francs each. It was further agreed that Daigremont, Huret, Sédille, the Marquis de Bohain, and a few of their friends, should form a syndicate to take four-fifths of the stock in advance, and divide it among themselves, so that in the first place the success of the issue would be assured, whilst later on, keeping the shares in their possession, they would be able to create a scarcity300 in the market, and send the price up at will. However, everything nearly fell through when Daigremont demanded a premium301 of four hundred thousand francs to be divided among the forty thousand shares of the syndicate, at the rate of ten francs a share. Saccard protested, declaring that it was not reasonable to make the cow bellow302 before milking her. Matters were bound to be difficult at the outset; why make the situation any worse? Nevertheless he had to yield, in view of the attitude of Huret, who quietly regarded the matter as quite natural, saying that it was always done.
They were separating, having fixed303 an appointment for the next day, an appointment at which Hamelin the engineer was to be present, when Daigremont suddenly clapped his hand to his forehead with an air of despair. 'And Kolb, whom I was forgetting!' he said. 'Oh! he would never forgive me; he must be one of us. My little Saccard, if you want to oblige me, you will go to his place directly. It isn't six o'clock yet; you will still find him there. Yes, go yourself and not to-morrow, but to-night, because that will have an effect on him, and he may be useful to us.'
[Pg 110]
With all docility304 Saccard started off again, knowing that lucky days do not come twice over. But he had again dismissed his cab, having hoped to go home—a distance of a few steps—on leaving Daigremont's; and so, as the rain seemed to have stopped at last, he descended305 the street on foot, happy to feel under his heels the pavement of Paris, which he was reconquering. In the Faubourg Montmartre a few drops of rain made him take to the covered passages, the Passage Verdeau, the Passage Jouffroy and the Passage des Panoramas306, which last brought him out again into the Rue Vivienne.
Here at the moment when he was about to enter Kolb's he once more started and stopped. A soft, crystalline music, coming as it were from the bowels of the earth, like the voices of legendary307 fairies, enveloped308 him; and he recognised the musical voice of gold, the continual jingle which pervaded309 this neighbourhood of trade and speculation, and which he had already heard in the morning. The end of the day was like its beginning; and the caressing310 sound of this voice made him radiant, it seemed like the confirmation311 of a good omen.
Kolb happened to be downstairs in the casting shop, and, as a friend of the house, Saccard went down to join him there. In the bare basement, ever lighted by large flaming gas-jets, the two founders312 were emptying by the shovelful several zinc313 lined boxes, filled that day with Spanish coins which they threw into the melting-pot on the great square furnace. The beat was intense; they had to shout to make themselves heard amid this harmonica-like music vibrating under the low vaulted314 ceiling. Freshly cast ingots, golden paving-stones, having all the glittering brilliancy of new metal, stood in rows upon the table of the assayer315, who determined316 the standard. And since morning more than six millions of francs had passed through the founders' hands, assuring the banker a profit of no more than three or four hundred francs; for the difference realised, between two quotations is of the smallest, being measured by thousandths, so that in gold arbitrage317, as the traffic is called, a profit only accrues318 when large quantities of metal are dealt with. Hence this tinkling319 of gold, this streaming of gold,[Pg 111] from morning till night, from year's end to year's end, in the depths of that cellar, whither the gold came in coins, and whence it went away in ingots, to come back again in coins and go away again in ingots indefinitely, with the sole object of leaving in the trader's hands a few particles of the precious metal.
As soon as Kolb—a little man with a very dark complexion320, whose nose, shaped like an eagle's beak, and emerging from a thick beard, proclaimed his Jewish origin—had understood Saccard's offer, which the gold almost drowned with a sound of hail, he accepted it. 'Certainly,' he cried. 'I am very glad to be in it, if Daigremont is! And thank you for having put yourself out on my account.'
However, they scarcely heard each other, and relapsed into silence, lingering there a moment longer, deafened321, but experiencing a sensation of beatitude amid that clear provoking jingling, which made their flesh quiver, like some altissimo note prolonged upon the strings322 of violins to the point of provoking spasm323.
Outside, although the fine weather had returned, although it was now a clear May evening, Saccard, worn out with fatigue, once more took a cab to go home. It had been a hard, but a well-filled day.
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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din
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broker
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| n.中间人，经纪人；v.作为中间人来安排 | |
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standing
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omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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jingling
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| 叮当声 | |
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bowels
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| n.肠，内脏，内部；肠( bowel的名词复数 )；内部，最深处 | |
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doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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17
jingle
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| n.叮当声，韵律简单的诗句；v.使叮当作响，叮当响，押韵 | |
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18
shovelful
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| n．一铁铲 | |
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19
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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20
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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21
situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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22
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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23
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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24
unpaid
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| adj.未付款的，无报酬的 | |
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25
pending
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| prep.直到，等待…期间；adj.待定的；迫近的 | |
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26
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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27
pivot
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| v.在枢轴上转动；装枢轴，枢轴；adj.枢轴的 | |
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28
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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29
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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30
conscientiously
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| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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31
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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32
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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33
grasshopper
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|
| n.蚱蜢，蝗虫，蚂蚱 | |
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34
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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35
brokers
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| n.（股票、外币等）经纪人( broker的名词复数 )；中间人；代理商；（订合同的）中人v.做掮客（或中人等）( broker的第三人称单数 )；作为权力经纪人进行谈判；以中间人等身份安排… | |
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36
vivacity
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| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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37
scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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38
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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39
shrill
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|
| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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40
ushering
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|
| v.引，领，陪同( usher的现在分词 ) | |
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41
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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42
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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43
ailment
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| n.疾病，小病 | |
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44
ushered
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|
| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
reassured
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|
| adj.使消除疑虑的；使放心的v.再保证，恢复信心( reassure的过去式和过去分词) | |
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46
luxurious
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|
| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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47
luxuriously
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| adv.奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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48
wedlock
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| n.婚姻，已婚状态 | |
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49
fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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50
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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51
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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52
overflowing
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|
| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
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53
scented
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| adj.有香味的；洒香水的；有气味的v.嗅到(scent的过去分词) | |
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54
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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55
bantering
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|
| adj.嘲弄的v.开玩笑，说笑，逗乐( banter的现在分词 )；（善意地）取笑，逗弄 | |
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56
quotation
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| n.引文，引语，语录；报价，牌价，行情 | |
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57
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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58
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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59
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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60
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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61
colossal
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| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
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62
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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63
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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64
rivalry
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| n.竞争，竞赛，对抗 | |
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65
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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66
catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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67
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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68
scruples
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| n.良心上的不安( scruple的名词复数 )；顾虑，顾忌v.感到于心不安，有顾忌( scruple的第三人称单数 ) | |
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69
baroness
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| n.男爵夫人，女男爵 | |
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70
testily
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| adv. 易怒地, 暴躁地 | |
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71
abate
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| vi.(风势，疼痛等)减弱，减轻，减退 | |
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72
rapacity
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| n.贪婪，贪心，劫掠的欲望 | |
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73
banking
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| n.银行业，银行学，金融业 | |
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74
purely
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| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
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75
provincial
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|
| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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76
dividends
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| 红利( dividend的名词复数 )； 股息； 被除数； （足球彩票的）彩金 | |
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77
vend
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| v.公开表明观点，出售，贩卖 | |
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78
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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79
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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80
insignificance
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| n.不重要；无价值；无意义 | |
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81
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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82
solvency
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| n.偿付能力，溶解力 | |
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83
luncheon
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| n.午宴，午餐，便宴 | |
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84
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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85
malicious
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| adj.有恶意的，心怀恶意的 | |
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86
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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87
urchin
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| n.顽童；海胆 | |
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88
lash
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| v.系牢；鞭打；猛烈抨击；n.鞭打；眼睫毛 | |
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89
mansion
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| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
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90
entirely
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|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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91
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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92
amassed
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| v.积累，积聚( amass的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93
thrift
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| adj.节约，节俭；n.节俭，节约 | |
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94
persistent
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| adj.坚持不懈的，执意的；持续的 | |
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95
invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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96
omnipotent
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| adj.全能的，万能的 | |
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97
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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98
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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99
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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100
repugnance
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| n.嫌恶 | |
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101
allay
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| v.消除，减轻(恐惧、怀疑等) | |
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102
indicted
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| 控告，起诉( indict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
parasite
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| n.寄生虫；寄生菌；食客 | |
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104
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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105
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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106
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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107
fatten
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| v.使肥，变肥 | |
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108
devour
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| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
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109
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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110
exalting
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| a.令人激动的，令人喜悦的 | |
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111
rogues
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| n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 )；无赖；调皮捣蛋的人；离群的野兽 | |
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112
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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113
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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114
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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115
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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116
subsisted
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| v.（靠很少的钱或食物）维持生活，生存下去( subsist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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118
feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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119
reigning
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| adj.统治的，起支配作用的 | |
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120
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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121
applicants
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| 申请人，求职人( applicant的名词复数 ) | |
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122
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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123
swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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124
organise
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| vt.组织，安排，筹办 | |
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125
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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126
scramble
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| v.爬行，攀爬，杂乱蔓延，碎片，片段，废料 | |
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127
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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128
sarcastic
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| adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的 | |
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129
irreproachable
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| adj.不可指责的，无过失的 | |
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130
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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131
quotations
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| n.引用( quotation的名词复数 )；[商业]行情（报告）；（货物或股票的）市价；时价 | |
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132
suppliant
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| adj.哀恳的；n.恳求者，哀求者 | |
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133
avalanche
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| n.雪崩，大量涌来 | |
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134
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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135
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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136
proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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137
distressful
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| adj.苦难重重的，不幸的，使苦恼的 | |
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138
isolating
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| adj.孤立的，绝缘的v.使隔离( isolate的现在分词 )；将…剔出（以便看清和单独处理）；使（某物质、细胞等）分离；使离析 | |
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139
deducted
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| v.扣除，减去( deduct的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
jobber
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| n.批发商；(股票买卖)经纪人；做零工的人 | |
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141
dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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142
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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143
beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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144
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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145
rubies
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| 红宝石( ruby的名词复数 )； 红宝石色，深红色 | |
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146
incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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147
climax
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| n.顶点；高潮；v.(使)达到顶点 | |
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148
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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149
besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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150
tugged
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| v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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151
placidly
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| adv.平稳地，平静地 | |
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152
progeny
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| n.后代，子孙；结果 | |
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153
irritation
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| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
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154
arrogance
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| n.傲慢，自大 | |
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155
solicits
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| 恳请 | |
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156
resounding
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| adj. 响亮的 | |
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157
consuls
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| 领事( consul的名词复数 )； （古罗马共和国时期）执政官 （古罗马共和国及其军队的最高首长，同时共有两位，每年选举一次） | |
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158
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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159
conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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160
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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161
battalions
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| n.（陆军的）一营（大约有一千兵士）( battalion的名词复数 )；协同作战的部队；军队；（组织在一起工作的）队伍 | |
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162
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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163
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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164
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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165
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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166
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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167
pastries
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| n.面粉制的糕点 | |
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168
deafening
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| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
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169
marvelled
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| v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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170
pastry
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| n.油酥面团，酥皮糕点 | |
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171
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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172
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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173
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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174
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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175
compulsory
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|
| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
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176
definitive
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| adj.确切的，权威性的；最后的，决定性的 | |
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177
crammed
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|
| adj.塞满的，挤满的；大口地吃；快速贪婪地吃v.把…塞满；填入；临时抱佛脚( cram的过去式) | |
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178
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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179
disinterested
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| adj.不关心的，不感兴趣的 | |
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180
miser
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| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
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181
hoards
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| n.（钱财、食物或其他珍贵物品的）储藏，积存( hoard的名词复数 )v.积蓄并储藏（某物）( hoard的第三人称单数 ) | |
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182
ailing
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| v.生病 | |
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183
obstinately
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| ad.固执地，顽固地 | |
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184
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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185
alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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186
portfolio
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| n.公事包；文件夹；大臣及部长职位 | |
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187
sneering
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| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
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188
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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189
defiant
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| adj.无礼的，挑战的 | |
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190
sips
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| n.小口喝，一小口的量( sip的名词复数 )v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的第三人称单数 ) | |
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191
crunch
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| n.关键时刻；艰难局面；v.发出碎裂声 | |
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192
crunches
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|
| n.（突发的）不足( crunch的名词复数 )；需要做出重要决策的困难时刻；紧要关头；嘎吱的响声v.嘎吱嘎吱地咬嚼( crunch的第三人称单数 )；嘎吱作响；（快速大量地）处理信息；数字捣弄 | |
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193
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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194
crumbled
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|
| （把…）弄碎， （使）碎成细屑( crumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 衰落； 坍塌； 损坏 | |
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195
succumb
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| v.屈服，屈从；死 | |
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196
shreds
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|
| v.撕碎，切碎( shred的第三人称单数 )；用撕毁机撕毁（文件） | |
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197
imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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198
irresistible
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|
| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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199
postpone
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| v.延期，推迟 | |
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200
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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201
entrusted
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|
| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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202
ascending
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|
| adj.上升的，向上的 | |
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203
mansions
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| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
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204
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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205
isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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206
populous
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| adj.人口稠密的，人口众多的 | |
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207
racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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208
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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209
questionable
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| adj.可疑的，有问题的 | |
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210
Vogue
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| n.时髦，时尚；adj.流行的 | |
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211
profuse
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|
| adj.很多的，大量的，极其丰富的 | |
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212
coruscating
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| v.闪光，闪烁( coruscate的现在分词 ) | |
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213
apotheosis
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| n.神圣之理想；美化；颂扬 | |
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214
incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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215
ebb
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| vi.衰退，减退；n.处于低潮，处于衰退状态 | |
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216
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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217
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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218
stoutness
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| 坚固，刚毅 | |
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219
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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220
fanatic
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| n.狂热者，入迷者；adj.狂热入迷的 | |
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221
amiability
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| n.和蔼可亲的，亲切的，友善的 | |
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222
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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223
effusive
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| adj.热情洋溢的；感情(过多)流露的 | |
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224
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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225
broached
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| v.谈起( broach的过去式和过去分词 )；打开并开始用；用凿子扩大（或修光）；（在桶上）钻孔取液体 | |
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226
expatiating
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| v.详述，细说( expatiate的现在分词 ) | |
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227
Mediterranean
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| adj.地中海的；地中海沿岸的 | |
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228
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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229
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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230
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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231
brutally
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| adv.残忍地，野蛮地，冷酷无情地 | |
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232
hoggish
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| adj.贪婪的 | |
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233
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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234
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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235
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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236
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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237
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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238
preoccupied
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| adj.全神贯注的，入神的；被抢先占有的；心事重重的v.占据（某人）思想，使对…全神贯注，使专心于( preoccupy的过去式) | |
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239
crumbs
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| int. (表示惊讶)哎呀 n. 碎屑 名词crumb的复数形式 | |
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240
bribes
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| n.贿赂( bribe的名词复数 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂v.贿赂( bribe的第三人称单数 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂 | |
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241
prudently
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| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
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242
intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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243
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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244
pecuniary
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| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
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245
probity
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| n.刚直；廉洁，正直 | |
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246
dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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247
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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248
tormenting
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| 使痛苦的，使苦恼的 | |
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249
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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250
orators
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| n.演说者，演讲家( orator的名词复数 ) | |
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251
recollected
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|
| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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252
lodger
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| n.寄宿人，房客 | |
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253
disastrous
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| adj.灾难性的，造成灾害的；极坏的，很糟的 | |
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254
adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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255
gilding
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| n.贴金箔，镀金 | |
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256
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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257
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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258
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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259
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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260
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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261
warehouses
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| 仓库，货栈( warehouse的名词复数 ) | |
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262
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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263
gambling
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| n.赌博；投机 | |
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264
conflagration
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| n.建筑物或森林大火 | |
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265
paltry
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| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
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266
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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267
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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268
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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269
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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270
remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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271
uncertainty
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|
| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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272
chagrin
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| n.懊恼；气愤；委屈 | |
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273
nibble
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| n.轻咬，啃；v.一点点地咬，慢慢啃，吹毛求疵 | |
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274
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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275
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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276
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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277
repented
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| 对（自己的所为）感到懊悔或忏悔( repent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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278
deluge
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| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
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279
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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280
scour
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| v.搜索；擦，洗，腹泻，冲刷 | |
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281
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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282
drenched
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| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
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283
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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285
lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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286
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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287
exhaling
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| v.呼出，发散出( exhale的现在分词 )；吐出（肺中的空气、烟等），呼气 | |
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288
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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290
adjournment
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| 休会； 延期； 休会期； 休庭期 | |
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291
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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292
exasperation
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| n.愤慨 | |
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293
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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294
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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295
swelling
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| n.肿胀 | |
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296
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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297
stifled
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| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
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298
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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299
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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300
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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301
premium
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| n.加付款；赠品；adj.高级的；售价高的 | |
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302
bellow
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| v.吼叫，怒吼；大声发出，大声喝道 | |
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303
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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304
docility
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| n.容易教，易驾驶，驯服 | |
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305
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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306
panoramas
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| 全景画( panorama的名词复数 )； 全景照片； 一连串景象或事 | |
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307
legendary
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| adj.传奇（中）的，闻名遐迩的；n.传奇（文学） | |
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308
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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309
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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310
caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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311
confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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312
founders
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| n.创始人( founder的名词复数 ) | |
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313
zinc
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| n.锌；vt.在...上镀锌 | |
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314
vaulted
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| adj.拱状的 | |
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315
assayer
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| n.试金者，分析专家 | |
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316
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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317
arbitrage
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| n.套利，套汇 | |
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318
accrues
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| v.增加( accrue的第三人称单数 )；（通过自然增长）产生；获得；（使钱款、债务）积累 | |
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319
tinkling
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| n.丁当作响声 | |
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320
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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321
deafened
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| 使聋( deafen的过去式和过去分词 )； 使隔音 | |
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322
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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323
spasm
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| n.痉挛，抽搐；一阵发作 | |
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