He was in love with a wretched little ballet-girl in some low theatre; and to please this creature, he also went upon the stage, with his face painted red and white." "To appear upon the stage is not a crime." "No; but it is a crime to deceive one's father and to affect virtues which one does not possess! Have I ever refused you money?
No.
Notwithstanding that, you have contracted debts everywhere, and you owe at least twenty thousand francs." Jean hung his head; he was evidently angry, but he feared his father.
"Twenty thousand francs!" repeated M.Lacheneur.

"I had them a fortnight ago; now I have nothing.

I can hope to obtain this sum only through the generosity of the Duc de Sairmeuse and his son." These words from Lacheneur's lips astonished the baron.
Lacheneur perceived it, and it was with every appearance of sincerity and good faith that he resumed: "Does what _I say_ surprise you?
I understand why.

My anger at first made me give utterance to all sorts of absurd threats.

But I am calm now, and I realize my injustice.