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60 a lavish hand during his lifetime, have not trooped hither to bedew this earth with their tears."

"He has got the Paris mansion, too," said Arthur to himself.

"To some his mental faculties appeared to be deteriorating; the reason was that his life upon this earth was ended and he was entering upon the childhood of another life."

"I would not give five sous," Arthur mutters, "for all that my uncle has left me of his government bonds."

"It was the childhood of immortality."

"Even the canal shares have been taken from me."

They climbed into the carriage again. Arthur's three companions conversed about their business affairs; Arthur said not a word. He was saddened by the funereal scene, and also, if the truth was to be told, by the consideration that the labor of a lifetime would not replace the inheritance that he had lost through his own folly. He left the coach and continued his way on foot. As he was crossing the boulevard some persons had stopped (and who has not sometimes stopped for a more trifling circumstance?) to watch a postilion mending a broken trace. Arthur mechanically halted like the others. As he was surveying the operation a man tapped him on the shoulder; he turned his head; it was his uncle. Arthur turned pale and for a moment was frozen with terror and incapable of motion; then he threw his arms about his dear uncle's neck and embraced him.

"I would rather have you embrace me more frequently and less violently," said the uncle.