M.
Baudu, her uncle, had formerly promised assistance, but when Denise
arrived she found that his business was rapidly being ruined by
the steady extension of "The Ladies' Paradise," an enormous drapery
establishment belonging to Octave Mouret. In these circumstances she
could not be dependent on her uncle, and, to his annoyance, she applied
for and got a situation in this rival business. On account of petty
jealousies, her life there was not happy, and, having incurred the
enmity of Jouve, one of the inspectors, she was dismissed on a false
accusation. A time of great hardship followed, only lightened by the
kindness of old Bourras, in whose house she had rented a room for
herself and her young brother Pepe. She next got a situation with
Robineau, who had bought a silk merchant's business and she remained
there for some time. While Denise was at "The Ladies' Paradise" she had
attracted the attention of Octave Mouret, and, chancing to meet her one
day, he asked her to return. As she found that Robineau's business was
not prospering, she consented, and from that time her position in "The
Ladies' Paradise" was assured.
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