“Borrow that sum from your friends.”
“I have no friends richer than myself.”
“You are an honest and honorable man, Vanel.”
“Ah! monseigneur, if the world would only think as you do!”
“I think so, and that is quite enough; and if it should be needed, I will be your security.”
“Do not forget the proverb, monseigneur.”
“What is it?”
“That he who becomes responsible for another has to pay for his fancy.”
“Let that make no difference.”
Vanel rose, bewildered by this offer which had been so suddenly and unexpectedly made to him. “You are not trifling with me, monseigneur?” he said.