“By entering on the path which I am ready to open up to you,” replied Herzog, “and in which I will guide you. By going in for business.”
Serge returned Herzog’s glance and tried to read his face, but found him impenetrable.
“To go into business one needs experience, and I have none.”
“Mine will suffice,” retorted the financier.
“Or money,” continued the Prince, “and I have none, either.”
“I don’t ask money from you. I offer you some.”
“What, then, do I bring into the concern?”
“The prestige of your name, and your relations with Madame Desvarennes.”
The Prince answered, haughtily:
“My relations are personal, and I doubt whether they will serve you. My mother-in-law is hostile, and will do nothing for me. As to my name, it does not belong to me, it belongs to those who bore it nobly before me.”