"Well, having the same animosity, we may have the same interests."
"I do not understand you, M. de Ravil."
"M. de Macreuse, you are a much too gifted and energetic man to allow yourself to be discouraged by one setback."
"What setback, monsieur?"
"So I will take you into my confidence. I had a fool of a friend, known to you as M. de Mornand, who had designs upon the same heiress that you did."
"M. de Mornand?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, a few minutes after your hasty departure, that d—d marquis exposed him as he had exposed you. That is to say, he has rendered my imbecile friend's marriage with the little Beaumesnil an impossibility."
"But what difference does it make to you whether the heiress does or does not marry your friend?"
"The devil! A great deal of difference! I went into the affair with the expectation of getting a handsome percentage on the dowry, so that accursed hunchback ruined me in ruining Mornand. Do you understand now?"
"Perfectly."