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Page 36
But if he was in reality the more capable, how came it that he was
so entirely ignored in society, while Alphonse remained
everybody's darling? The very promotions and marks of appreciation
which he had won for himself by hard work were accorded him in a
dry, business manner; while every one, from the directors to the
messengers, had a friendly word or a merry greeting for Alphonse.
In the different offices and departments of the bank they
intrigued to obtain possession of Monsieur Alphonse; for a breath
of life and freshness followed ever in the wake of his handsome
person and joyous nature. Charles, on the other hand, had often
remarked that his colleagues regarded him as a dry person, who
thought only of business and of himself.
The truth was that he had a heart of rare sensitiveness, with no
faculty for giving it expression.
Charles was one of those small, black Frenchmen whose beard begins
right under the eyes; his complexion was yellowish and his hair
stiff and splintery. His eyes did not dilate when he was pleased
and animated, but they flashed around and glittered.
When he laughed the corners of his mouth turned upward, and many a
time, when his heart was full of joy and good-will, he had seen
people draw back, half-frightened by his forbidding exterior.
Alphonse alone knew him so well that he never seemed to see his
ugliness; every one else misunderstood him. He became suspicious,
and retired more and more within himself.
In an insensible crescendo the thought grew in him: Why should he
never attain anything of that which he most longed for--intimate
and cordial intercourse and friendliness which should answer to
the warmth pent up within him? Why should every one smile to
Alphonse with out-stretched hands, while he must content himself
with stiff bows and cold glances?
Alphonse knew nothing of all this. He was joyous and healthy,
charmed with life and content with his daily work. He had been
placed in the easiest and most interesting branch of the business,
and, with his quick brain and his knack of making himself
agreeable, he filled his place satisfactorily.
His social circle was very large--every one set store by his
acquaintance, and he was at least as popular among women as among
men.
For a time Charles accompanied Alphonse into society, until he was
seized by a misgiving that he was invited for his friend's sake
alone, when he at once drew back.
When Charles proposed that they should set up in business
together, Alphonse had answered: "It is too good of you to choose
me. You could easily find a much better partner."
Charles had imagined that their altered relations and closer
association in work would draw Alphonse out of the circles which
Charles could not now endure, and unite them more closely. For he
had conceived a vague dread of losing his friend.
He did not himself know, nor would it have been easy to decide,
whether he was jealous of all the people who flocked around
Alphonse and drew him to them, or whether he envied his friend's
popularity.
They began their business prudently and energetically, and got on
well.
It was generally held that each formed an admirable complement to
the other. Charles represented the solid, confidence-inspiring
element, while the handsome and elegant Alphonse imparted to the
firm a certain lustre which was far from being without value.
Every one who came into the counting-house at once remarked his
handsome figure, and thus it seemed quite natural that all should
address themselves to him.
Charles meanwhile bent over his work and let Alphonse be
spokesman. When Alphonse asked him about anything, he
answered shortly and quietly without looking up.
Thus most people thought that Charles was a confidential clerk,
while Alphonse was the real head of the house.
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