Eugenie rose; but after making a few steps towards the door she turned abruptly, looked her father in the face, and said,—
“I have not got my gold.”
“You have not got your gold!” cried Grandet, starting up erect, like a horse that hears a cannon fired beside him.
“No, I have not got it.”
“You are mistaken, Eugenie.”
“No.”
“By the shears of my father!”
Whenever the old man swore that oath the rafters trembled.
“Holy Virgin! Madame is turning pale,” cried Nanon.
“Grandet, your anger will kill me,” said the poor mother.
“Ta, ta, ta, ta! nonsense; you never die in your family! Eugenie, what have you done with your gold?” he cried, rushing upon her.
“Monsieur,” said the daughter, falling at Madame Grandet’s knees, “my mother is ill. Look at her; do not kill her.”
Grandet was frighte
