Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 1).djvu/327

Rh "Ah, M. l'Abbé," said Caderousse, with a sigh, "it is easy to perceive I am not a rich man; but in this world a man does not thrive the better for being honest." The abbé fixed on him a searching, penetrating glance. "I can say that," replied the aubergiste, sustaining the abbé's gaze,

with one hand on his heart and nodding his head; "I can boast with truth of being an honest man; and that is more than every one can say nowadays."

"So much the better for you, if what you assert be true," said the abbé; "for I am firmly persuaded that, sooner or later, the good will be rewarded, and the wicked punished."

"Such words as those belong to your profession, M. l'Abbé," answered