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THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO
307
"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
