Society alone has the right over its members of repression; as for punishment, I deny it that right.Repression suffices; and that, besides, brings with it punishment enough.
"So," resumed Monsieur Alain, continuing his history, having drawn from it that noble teaching, "after listening to the gossip of the Parisian, and relying on the wisdom of my old master, I condemned Mongenod.His play, 'Les Peruviens,' was announced.I expected to receive a ticket from Mongenod for the first representation; Iestablished in my own mind a sort of claim on him.It seemed to me that by reason of my loan my friend was a sort of vassal of mine, who owed me a number of things besides the interest on my money.We all think that.Mongenod not only did not send me a ticket, but I saw him from a distance coming towards me in that dark passage under the Theatre Feydeau, well dressed, almost elegant; he pretended not to see me; then, after he had passed and I turned to run after him, my debtor hastily escaped through a transverse alley.This circumstance greatly irritated me; and the irritation, instead of subsiding with time, only increased, and for the following reason: Some days after this encounter, I wrote to Mongenod somewhat in these terms: 'My friend, you ought not to think me indifferent to whatever happens to you of good or evil.Are you satisfied with the success of 'Les Peruviens'?
You forgot me (of course it was your right to do so) for the first representation, at which I should have applauded you.But, nevertheless, I hope you found a Peru in your Peruvians, for I have found a use for my funds, and shall look to you for the payment of them when the note falls due.Your friend, Alain.' After waiting two weeks for an answer, I went to the rue des Moineaux.The landlady told me that the little wife really did go away with her father at the time when Mongenod told Bordin of their departure.Mongenod always left the garret very early in the morning and did not return till late at night.Another two weeks, I wrote again, thus: 'My dear Mongenod, Icannot find you, and you do not reply to my letters.I do not understand your conduct.If I behaved thus to you, what would you think of me?' I did not subscribe the letter as before, 'Your friend,'