These twenty-four thousand francs won't take the place of the
hundred thousand which Baron Trigault promised me."
And, as Pascal made no reply, the marquis began a desultory tramp
up and down the smoking-room. He was very pale, his brows were
knit; he looked like a man who was meditating a decisive step, and
who was calculating the consequences. But having no time to waste
in hesitation, he soon paused in front of Pascal, and exclaimed:
"Since you have just lent me twenty-four thousand francs, why
won't you lend me the rest?"
But Pascal shook his head. "One risks nothing by advancing
twenty-five thousand francs to a person in your position, Monsieur
le Marquis. Whatever happens, such a sum as that can always be
gathered from the wreck. But double or triple the amount! The
deuce! that requires reflection, and I must understand the
situation thoroughly."
"And if I told you that I am--almost ruined, what would you
reply?"
"I shouldn't be so very much surprised."
M. de Valorsay had now gone too far to draw back. "Ah, well!" he
resumed, "the truth is this--my affairs are terribly involved."
"The devil! You should have told me that sooner."
"Wait; I am about to retrieve my fortune--to make it even larger
than it has ever been. I am on the point of contracting a
marriage which will make me one of the richest men in Paris; but I
must have a little time to bring the affair to a successful
termination, and I need money--and my creditors are pressing me
unmercifully.
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