M. Ferrand returned, holding in his hands some papers, which he handed to M. Charles Robert.
"Here," said he, "are three hundred and fifty thousand francs in bank-bills. In a few days we will balance the account of interest. Give me a receipt."
"What!" exclaimed M. Robert, astonished; "do not go to think that—"
"I don't think anything."
"But—"
"The receipt!"
"Dear cashkeeper!"
"Write it; and tell the persons who talk to you of my embarrassments, how I reply to such suspicions."
"The fact is that, as soon as they hear this, your credit will be more solid than ever. But, really, take the money back again; I do not want it at this moment. I told you it was three months hence."
"Monsieur Charles Robert, no man suspects me twice."