Noel, who well knew how sensitive this worthy man was to kind
attentions, and how pleased by politeness, began by offering him a seat,
and asking after his health. Clergeot went into details. His teeth were
still good; but his sight was beginning to fail. His legs were no
longer so steady, and his hearing was not all that could be desired. The
chapter of complaints ended--"You know," said he, "why I have called.
Your bills fall due to-day; and I am devilishly in need of money. I have
one of ten, one of seven, and a third of five thousand francs, total,
twenty-two thousand francs."
"Come, M. Clergeot," replied Noel, "do not let us have any joking."
"Excuse me," said the usurer; "I am not joking at all."
"I rather think you are though. Why, it's just eight days ago to-day
that I wrote to tell you that I was not prepared to meet the bills, and
asked for a renewal!"
"I recollect very well receiving your letter."
"What do you say to it, then?"
"By my not answering the note, I supposed that you would understand
that I could not comply with your request; I hoped that you would exert
yourself to find the amount for me."
Noel allowed a gesture of impatience to escape him.
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