"You are mistaken as to the meaning of the word I used," he remarked. "I thanked you, not because I accept your generous offer, but because it proves to me the esteem in which you hold me."
"Still——" the consul urged him.
"Again I thank you; but all my debts will be paid within an hour. I have at this moment nearly 200,000 piastres at my disposal."
The consul looked at him, open-eyed.
"But yesterday——?" he said.
"Yes!" the count interrupted him quietly, "yesterday I had nothing, today I am rich. I will explain to you this very simple miracle."
When the count ended his narrative, the consul pressed his hand joyfully.
"Good gracious!" he said, "you do not know, my dear count, what pleasure you cause me at this moment; you have staunch friends."
"Among whom I may reckon yourself."
"Oh! As for me," he said simply; "that is not astonishing; for am I not one of your shareholders?"