“What do you say to it, then?”
“By my not answering the note, I supposed that you would understand that I could not comply with your request; I hoped that you would exert yourself to find the amount for me.”
Noel allowed a gesture of impatience to escape him.
“I have not done so,” he said; “so take your own course. I haven’t a sou.”
“The devil. Do you know that I have renewed these bills four times already?”
“I know that the interest has been fully and promptly paid, and at a rate which cannot make you regret the investment.”
Clergeot never likes talking about the interest he received. He pretends that it is humiliating.
“I do not complain; I only say that you take things too easily with me. If I had put your signature in circulation all would have been paid by now.”
“Not at all.”
“Yes, you would have found means to escape being sued. But you say to yourself: ‘Old Clergeot is a good fellow.’ And that is true. But I am so only when it can do me no harm. Now, to-day, I am absolutely in great need of my money. Ab—so—lute—ly,” he added, emphasising each syllable.