"You have lent my son-in-law money, Cayrol?"
And as the banker remained silent, still looking at the secretary, Madame added:
"Does the presence of Marechal make you hesitate in answering me? Speak before him; I have told you more than a hundred times that he knows my business as well as I do."
"I have, indeed, advanced some money to the Prince," replied Cayrol.
"How much?" inquired Madame Desvarennes.
"I don't remember the exact amount. I was happy to oblige your son-in- law."
"You were wrong, and have acted unwisely in not acquainting me of the fact. It is thus that his follies have been encouraged by obliging friends. At all events, I ask you now not to lend him any more."
Cayrol seemed put out, and, with his hands in his pockets and his shoulders up, replied:
"This is a delicate matter which you ask of me. You will cause a quarrel between the Prince and myself—"
"Do you prefer quarreling with me?" asked the mistress.