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Rh incurred by Dobouziez in establishing his daughter and helping out Béjard; he could have exhibited a certain astonishment at such a proposition, and disparaged the offer in order to obtain huge concessions; but Daelmans-Deynze behaved with greater discretion and less knavery.

At heart, he had no great desire to embarrass himself with a new business during a time of crisis and stagnation, but he had divined, from the first words of their interview, even from the measures upon which Dobouziez had resolved to take, that Dobouziez was in frightful difficulties, and Daelmans belonged to the ever-diminishing class of business men who come to each other's assistance. One may well admire the tact with which Daelmans discussed the conditions of the purchase. In order to set Dobouziez at his ease he evinced no surprise, nor did he employ that tone of compassion which would have so cruelly hurt the manufacturer; he did not even insinuate that, if he bought the factory, it would be only to oblige a friend in need. Not a recrimination, not a reproach, no air of superiority!

What a good man was Daelmans-Deynze! And his kindheartedness did not prevent him from examining and discussing the business at length. He knew how to combine his interests and his generosity; he was willing to oblige his friend, but upon condition of not running into debt himself. What could be more equitable? It was both strictly businesslike and broadly human. And they were about to finish the deal.

There remained one point which neither of them wished to touch upon, although both had it at heart. But Dobouziez was proud, and Daelmans, delicate. Finally Daelmans resolved to take the bull by the horns.