This arrangement made, Louis said:
"There is another question I should like to ask. As soon as these formalities have been complied with, do I come into possession of my father's property?"
"Certainly, my dear Louis."
"Then I will tell you what I intend to do. I have brought you gold coin to the amount of more than two hundred thousand francs. I found it in a chest in the room I occupied with my father. Out of this amount, I wish you to take enough to purchase an annuity of twelve thousand francs for the godmother of a young girl that I am about to marry."
"But does this young girl's financial condition—"
"My dear patron," interrupted Louis, respectfully but firmly, "the young girl I speak of is a working girl, and supports herself and her godmother by her daily toil. I have loved her a long time, and no human power can prevent me from marrying her."
"So be it," replied the notary, understanding the uselessness of any further protest. "I will settle the desired amount upon the person designated."
"I also desire to take from this sum of money about fifteen thousand francs to set up housekeeping in a suitable manner."
"Only fifteen thousand francs!" exclaimed the notary, surprised at the modesty of this request. "Will that be enough?"
"My affianced wife is, like myself, accustomed to a frugal and laborious life, so the income from fifteen thousand francs, together with the proceeds of our labour, will more than suffice."