He lives near the top of the Rue de la Victoire. He has no shop, and yet
he sells everything saleable, and some other things, too, that the law
scarcely considers merchandise. Anything to be useful or neighbourly.
He often asserts that he is not very rich. It is possibly true. He is
whimsical more than covetous, and fearfully bold. Free with his money
when one pleases him, he would not lend five francs, even with a
mortgage on the Chateau of Ferrieres as guarantee, to whosoever does
not meet with his approval. However, he often risks his all on the most
unlucky cards.
His preferred customers consist of women of doubtful morality,
actresses, artists, and those venturesome fellows who enter upon
professions which depend solely upon those who practice them, such as
lawyers and doctors.
He lends to women upon their present beauty, to men upon their future
talent. Slight pledges! His discernment, it should be said, however,
enjoys a great reputation. It is rarely at fault. A pretty girl
furnished by Clergeot is sure to go far. For an artist to be in
Clergeot's debt was a recommendation preferable to the warmest
criticism.
Madame Juliette had procured this useful and honourable acquaintance for
her lover.
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