"Fifty thousand! yes, sir," the Count replied. "And, besides, I pledge myself, if you wish it, to get you confirmed in your command. Is this matter settled?"
"But, my lord, how am I to manage at Paris?"
"Follow the instructions the Duc de Bellegarde will give you."
"What you ask of me is very difficult."
"Not so difficult as you pretend to believe, sir; however, if this mission does not suit you—"
"I did not say that, sir."
"In a word, you can take it or leave it."
"I take it, my lord—I take it. Great heaven!—fifty thousand livres!"
"And you start?"
"Tomorrow."