"
"Poor man!" said Juliette, with an ironical touch of pity in her
voice. "Do you dare to tell me you have had difficulty in obtaining ten
thousand francs,--you?"
"Yes,--I!"
The young woman looked at her lover, and burst into a fit of laughter.
"You are really superb when you act the poor young man!" said she.
"I am not acting."
"So you say, my own. But I see what you are aiming at. This amiable
confession is the preface. To-morrow you will declare that your affairs
are very much embarrassed, and the day after to-morrow . . . Ah! you are
becoming very avaricious. It is a virtue you used not to possess. Do you
not already regret the money you have given me?"
"Wretched woman!" murmured Noel, fast losing patience.
"Really," continued the lady, "I pity you, oh! so much. Unfortunate
lover! Shall I get up a subscription for you? In your place, I would
appeal to public charity."
Noel could stand it no longer, in spite of his resolution to remain
calm. "You think it a laughing matter?" cried he. "Well! let me tell
you, Juliette, I am ruined, and I have exhausted my last resources! I am
reduced to expedients!"
The eyes of the young woman brightened.
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