"My dear banker" (another pleasantry of M. Robert), "it concerns something of great importance to me. You know that in our agreement, when I advanced you 350,000 francs, in order that you might finish the purchase of your notariat, it was stipulated that, by giving you three months' notice, I could withdraw from you this amount for which you now pay interest."
"What next?"
"Well!" said M. Robert, with hesitation, "I; no, but—"
"What?"
"You perceive it is pure caprice; an idea to become a landed proprietor, my dear law-writer."
"Explain yourself; you annoy me."
"In a word, I have been offered a territorial acquisition, and, if it is not disagreeable to you I should wish, that is to say, I should desire, to withdraw my funds from you; and I come to give you notice, according to our agreement."
"Humph!"
"It does not make you angry, I hope!"
"Why should it?"