Well, what then? Do you think of
putting in an execution? This is not my home; the lease is in Madame
Gerdy's name."
"I know all that. Besides, the sale of everything here would not cover
the amount."
"Then you intend to put me in prison, at Clichy! Bad speculation, I warn
you, my practice will be lost, and, you know, no practice, no money."
"Good!" cried the worthy money-lender. "Now you are talking nonsense!
You call that being frank. Pshaw! If you supposed me capable of half
the cruel things you have said, my money would be there in your drawer,
ready for me."
"A mistake! I should not know where to get it, unless by asking Madame
Gerdy, a thing I would never do."
A sarcastic and most irritating little laugh, peculiar to old Clergeot,
interrupted Noel.
"It would be no good doing that," said the usurer; "mamma's purse has
long been empty; and if the dear creature should die now,--they tell
me she is very ill,--I would not give two hundred napoleons for the
inheritance."
The advocate turned red with passion, his eyes glittered; but he
dissembled, and protested with some spirit.
"We know what we know," continued Clergeot quietly.
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