"You know Mlle. Mariette, then?"
"I do."
"You are paying court to her, perhaps?"
"Rather."
"With hopes of success?"
"Decidedly."
"Very well, I forbid you ever to set foot in her house again."
"Ah, ha! so I have a rival," the usurer said to himself. "How funny! I understand the girl's refusal now. I must get ahead of my client, though. He is young and unsophisticated,—that means he is jealous. He will be sure to fall into the trap, then I can oust him, for I've set my heart on the girl, and if I can't get her this young fellow sha'n't. I'm resolved upon that!"
After which, he added aloud:
"My dear friend, when I am forbidden to do anything, I consider it my bounden duty to do precisely what I am forbidden to do."