"I will."
"Still, madame—"
"Need I say that I have an estate four leagues from Paris, which brings me in eighty thousand francs (3,200l.) a year? That will suffice, I should think, for what you call your securities?"
"Yes, madame, when the mortgage is properly secured."
"What do you mean? Some formality of law, no doubt? Do it, sir, do it."
"Such a deed cannot be drawn up in less than a fortnight, and we must have your husband's assent, madame."
"But the estate is mine, and mine only," said the duchess, impatiently.
"No matter, madame, you have a husband; and mortgage deeds are very long and very minute."
"But, once again, sir, you will not ask me to believe that it is so difficult to find one hundred thousand francs in two hours?"
"Then, madame, apply to the notary you usually employ, or your steward; as for me, it is impossible."