But M de Valorsay made no sign. "I see that you are a
shrewd man, Monsieur Maumejan," said he, "and if I am ever in
difficulty I shall apply to you."
Pascal bowed with an air of assumed modesty; but he was inwardly
jubilant, for he felt that his enemy would certainly fall into the
trap which had been set for him. "And now, when shall I have this
money?" inquired the marquis.
"By four o'clock."
"And I need fear no disappointment as in the baron's case?"
"Certainly not. What interest would M. Trigault have in lending
you a hundred thousand francs? None whatever. With me it is quite
a different thing. The profit I'm to realize is your security.
In business matters distrust your friends. Apply to usurers
rather than to them. Question people who are in difficulties, and
ninety-five out of a hundred will tell you that their worst
troubles have been caused by those who called themselves their
best friends."
He had risen to take leave, when the door of the smoking-room
opened, and a servant appeared and said in an undertone: "Madame
Leon is in the drawing-room with Dr. Jodon. They wish to see you,
monsieur."
Though Pascal had armed himself well against any unexpected
mischance, he changed color on hearing the name of the worthy
housekeeper. "All is lost if this creature sees and recognizes
me!" he thought.
Fortunately the Marquis was too much engrossed in his own affairs
to note the momentary agitation of Baron Trigault's envoy.
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