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.