"Of course, as I only waited for you to start."
"Let us have a look at them."
Louis opened a drawer, from which he took several papers covered with figures. He spread them out on the table with a stifled sigh.
"Why do you sigh?" Valentine asked him.
"Because I am anxious."
"Anxious about what?"
"Why, hang it! About paying them."
Valentine smiled.
"Nonsense!" he said, "let us look all the same."
The count bent over the papers.