"Seven reals. The total is correct. Have you not a few small debts beside?"
"Of course, I have a few personal matters to pay; and then I should not like to start empty-handed."
"That would be awkward; so that, as far as I can see you will want about eighty or one hundred thousand piastres to be perfectly clear?"
"Oh! Then I should have more than I require."
"It is better to have too much than not enough."
"That is true; but where to find such a sum?"
"Let me tell you a story."
"Eh?" Louis said in surprise. "Are you jesting, brother?"
"I never jest in serious matters. Listen to my story, I am convinced that it will interest you."
Louis could not suppress a movement of ill temper. He fell back in his chair, and crossed his arms.