"I don't think that would be difficult," remarked he; "that young fellow is capable of any act of folly for that fair girl." "I think so too." "Then the matter is easy.

I will open an account with him; then, after a little, I will affect doubts as to his solvency, and ask for a bill; and we shall then place our young friend in the hands of the Mutual Loan Society, and M.Verminet will easily persuade him to write his name across the bottom of a piece of stamped paper.

He will bring it to me; I will accept it, and then we shall have him hard and fast." "I should have proposed another course." "I see no other way, however," He suddenly stopped, for a loud noise was heard in the ante-room, and the sound of voices in loud contention.
"I should like to know," said Van Klopen, rising to his feet, "who the impudent scoundrel is, who comes here kicking up a row.

I expect that it is some fool of a husband." "Go and see what it is," suggested Mascarin.
"Not I! My servants are paid to spare me such annoyances." Presently the noise ceased.
"And now," resumed Mascarin, "let us return to our own affairs.

Under the circumstances, your proposal appears to be a good one.