“No, mother,—capital 3,000 francs. And I have an idea of our leading a delightful life upon this 3,000 francs.”
“Child!” sighed Mercédès.
“Alas, dear mother,” said the young man, “I have unhappily spent too much of your money not to know the value of it. These 3,000 francs are enormous, and I intend building upon this foundation a miraculous certainty for the future.”
“You say this, my dear boy; but do you think we ought to accept these 3,000 francs?” said Mercédès, coloring.
“I think so,” answered Albert in a firm tone. “We will accept them the more readily, since we have them not here; you know they are buried in the garden of the little house in the Allées de Meilhan, at Marseilles. With 200 francs we can reach Marseilles.”
“With 200 francs?—are you sure, Albert?”
“Oh, as for that, I have made inquiries respecting the diligences and steamboats, and my calculations are made. You will take your place in the coupé to Châlons. You see, mother, I treat you handsomely for thirty-five francs.”
Albert then took a pen, and wrote:
Frs.
Coupé, thirty-five francs.............................. 35.
From Châlons to Lyons you will go on by the steamboat.. 6.
From Lyons to Avignon (still by steamboat)............. 16.
From Avignon to Marseilles, seven francs............... 7.
Expenses on the road, about fifty francs............... 50.
Total................................................. 114 frs.
“Let us put down 120,” added Albert, smiling. “You see I am generous, am I not, mother?”