Perhaps the ex-armorer felt that Marcel was right; consequently he was about to get more angry than ever, but Marcel turned his back on him with a shrug, and went away, paying no heed to his invectives.
In reality Marcel was very glad to be in possession at last of the ideas and recollections which underlay his uncle's actions. He promised himself that he would take advantage of his knowledge to induce him to mend his ways. Did he succeed? The sequel will tell us.
"Madame," said Marcel to the Comtesse d'Estrelle the next morning, "you must sell the pavilion."
"Why?" said Julie. "It is so old and such a paltry affair, and of such trifling value too!"
"It has a value due to its location, which you must not overlook. My uncle will give you thirty thousand francs for it, perhaps more."
"This is the first time, my dear adviser, that you have advised me ill. I am very reluctant to extort money from a neighbor. What is it but speculating on the need he may have of that old building?"
"Wait a moment, my noble client! My uncle does not need the pavilion; he wants it, which is a very different matter. He is rich enough to pay for his whims. And what would you say if he were grateful to you for your extortion?"
"How can that be?"
"Enter into personal relations with him and he will offer you a bonus over and above the price."
"Fie! Monsieur Thierry! you would have me pay court to his gold?"