“Oh!” said Bœhmer, “we have a correspondent there, and by writing to him——”
“Yes,” said Beausire, laughing ironically, “write to him, and ask if M. de Souza is solvent, and if her majesty be good for 1,400,000 francs.”
“We cannot, sir, let this necklace leave France forever without informing the queen; and our respect and loyalty demand that we should once more give her the refusal of it.”
“It is just,” said Manoël, with dignity. “I should wish a Portuguese merchant to act in the same way.”
“I am very happy that monseigneur approves of my conduct. Then all is settled, subject only to the consent of M. Bossange, and the reiterated refusal of her majesty. I ask three days to settle these two points.”
“On one side,” said Beausire, “100,000 francs down, the necklace to be placed in my hands, who will accompany you to Lisbon, to the honor of your correspondents, who are also our bankers. The whole of the money to be paid in three months.”
“Yes, monseigneur,” said Bœhmer, bowing.
Manoël returned it, and the jeweler took leave.
When they were alone, Manoël said angrily to Beausire, “Please to explain what the devil you mean by this journey to Portugal? Are you mad? Why not have the jewels here in exchange for our money?”
“You think yourself too really ambassador,” replied Beausire; “you are not yet quite M. de Souza to this jeweler.”