Do you remember what he said the last time he was here?
That we ought to close our business and retire.

How should _we_ live?
for he is rich and we are poor.

What on earth are you doing, Hortebise ?" he added, for the physician, who had the reputation of being worth an enormous amount, had taken out his purse, and was going over the contents.
"I have scarcely three hundred and twenty-seven francs!" answered he with a laugh.

"What is the state of your finances ?" Mascarin made a grimace.

"I am not so well off as you; and besides," he continued in a low voice, as though speaking to himself, "I have certain ties which you do not possess." For the first time during this interview a cloud spread over the doctor's countenance.
"Great Heavens!" said he, "and I was depending on you for three thousand francs, which I require urgently." Mascarin smiled slyly at the doctor's uneasiness.