I have one of ten, one of seven, and a third of five thousand francs, total, twenty-two thousand francs." "Come, M.Clergeot," replied Noel, "do not let us have any joking." "Excuse me," said the usurer; "I am not joking at all." "I rather think you are though.

Why, it's just eight days ago to-day that I wrote to tell you that I was not prepared to meet the bills, and asked for a renewal!" "I recollect very well receiving your letter." "What do you say to it, then ?" "By my not answering the note, I supposed that you would understand that I could not comply with your request; I hoped that you would exert yourself to find the amount for me." Noel allowed a gesture of impatience to escape him.
"I have not done so," he said; "so take your own course.

I haven't a sou." "The devil.

Do you know that I have renewed these bills four times already ?" "I know that the interest has been fully and promptly paid, and at a rate which cannot make you regret the investment." Clergeot never likes talking about the interest he received.

He pretends that it is humiliating.
"I do not complain; I only say that you take things too easily with me.
If I had put your signature in circulation all would have been paid by now." "Not at all." "Yes, you would have found means to escape being sued.