"
"And in six weeks," replied the usurer, "you will be in precisely the
same condition you are to-day. And forty-five days more of Juliette will
cost--"
"M. Clergeot," interrupted Noel, "long before that time, my position
will be completely changed. But I have finished," he added rising; "and
my time is valuable."
"One moment, you impatient fellow!" exclaimed the good-natured banker,
"you said twenty-four thousand francs at forty-five days?"
"Yes. That is about seventy-five per cent,--pretty fair interest."
"I never cavil about interest," said M. Clergeot; "only--" He looked
slyly at Noel scratching his chin violently, a movement which in him
indicated how insensibly his brain was at work. "Only," he continued, "I
should very much like to know what you are counting upon."
"That I will not tell you. You will know it ere long, in common with all
the world."
"I have it!" cried M. Clergeot, "I have it! You are going to marry! You
have found an heiress, of course, your little Juliette told me something
of the sort this morning. Ah! you are going to marry! Is she pretty? But
no matter. She has a full purse, eh? You wouldn't take her without that.
Pages:
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406