This
was a favorable omen. "I called, monsieur----" began the young
man.
"Yes--I know--I know!" interrupted the baron. "Come, we must have
a talk."
And, taking Pascal's arm, he led him into his private sanctum,
separated from the large apartment by folding-doors, which had
been removed, and replaced by hangings. Once there he indicated
by a gesture that they could be heard in the adjoining room, and
that it was necessary to speak in a low tone. "You have no doubt
come," said he, "for the money I promised that dear Marquis de
Valorsay--I have it all ready for you; here it is." So saying, he
opened an escritoire, and took out a large roll of bank-notes,
which he handed to Pascal. "Here, count it," he added, "and see
if the amount is correct."
But Pascal, whose face had suddenly become as red as fire, did not
utter a word in reply. On receiving this money a new but quite
natural thought had entered his mind for the first time. "What is
the matter?" inquired the baron, surprised by this sudden
embarrassment. "What has happened to you?"
"Nothing, monsieur, nothing! Only I was asking myself--if I ought--
if I can accept this money."
"Bah! and why not?"
"Because if you lend it to M. de Valorsay, it is perhaps lost."
"PERHAPS! You are polite----"
"Yes, monsieur, you are right. I ought to have said that it is
sure to be lost; and hence my embarrassment.
Pages:
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301