“No quarrel? Were they on friendly terms!”
“No. For my son thought ill of him, and once said that if Monsieur de Cadanet knew his real character it would be a bad day for Monsieur Lemaire; but that was all.”
“You do not think he tried to open Monsieur de Cadanet’s eyes.”
“Never,” said Mme. de Beaudrillart, drawing herself up. “Do you imagine he would have stooped to the position of tale-bearer?”
“I should have,” said M. Bourget, frankly. “And it would have been decidedly advantageous. However, depend upon it, madame, this accusation has something to do with Monsieur de Cadanet’s loan. As for the theft from the letter, that is absurd. My theory is that Lemaire is perhaps executor—at all events, that by some means or other he has become possessed of papers which have suggested the attempt to coerce the baron. I hope Monsieur Léon will beware of yielding. Fortunately, Nathalie is there, and has a clear head for business.”
“My son is not likely to require support,” said his mother, still haughtily. M. Bourget did not hear her; he was considering, chin on chest.
“He has learned, somehow, that the money was lent to Monsieur Léon, and perhaps he means to deny that it was ever repaid. You will pardon me, madame, if I remark that in your class there are apparently strange reticences and scruples in business matters. I once offended Monsieur Léon, in what probably had to do with this very loan, by asking whether he held any note or agreement which I could look at. Two hundred thousand francs is a large sum to have been paid without so much as a receipt!”
Mme. de Beaudrillart stood up with a smile.
“We are not so foolish as you suppose us, Monsieur Bourget. My son had a receipt, and I can show it to you.”
“In that case—” M. Bourget rubbed his hands exultantly—“I am convinced this will be of the greatest importance. Can you put your hand on it easily, madame?”