But M. de Coralth checked him, saying gravely: “Upon my honor, I am not jesting. What would you give a man who—”
“I would give him half of the fortune he gave me.”
“That’s too much!”
“No, no!”
He was in earnest, certainly. What wouldn’t a man promise in all sincerity of soul to a fellow mortal who gave him money when he had none—when he needed it urgently and must have it to save himself from ruin?
At such a moment no commission, however large, seems exorbitant. It is afterward, when the day of settlement comes, that people begin to find fault with the rate of interest.
“If I tell you that one-half is too much, it is because such is really the case. And I am the best judge of the matter, since I am the man who can put you in possession of this enormous fortune.”
M. Wilkie started back in speechless amazement.
“This astonishes you!” said the viscount; “and why, pray? Is it because I ask for a commission?”
“Oh! not at all!”