The majority of the guests burst into a laugh at this remark. When their hilarity was calmed the baron began:—
"As for the first part of my story, I shall imitate the count's brevity. In the present age gentlemen find themselves so naturally beyond the pale of the law through the prejudices of blood and education, that they all are fated to pass through a rough apprenticeship to life, by devouring in a few years, they know not how, the paternal fortune. This happened to me, gentlemen, as to yourselves. My ancestors in the middle ages were, to a certain extent, freebooters. True blood always shows itself. When my last resources were nearly exhausted, my instincts were aroused, and my eyes fixed on America. In less than ten years I amassed there the colossal fortune which I now have the distinguished honour, not of dissipating—the lesson was too rude, and I profited by it—but of spending in your honourable company, while careful to keep my capital intact."
"But," the count exclaimed impatiently, "how did you amass this colossal fortune, as you yourself term it?"
"About a million and a half," the baron coolly remarked.
A shudder of covetousness ran through the whole party.
"A colossal fortune indeed," the count continued; "but, I repeat, how did you acquire it?"
"If I had not intended to reveal it to you, my dear fellow, you may be sure I would not have abused your patience by making you listen to the trivialities you have just heard."
"We are listening," the guests shouted.
The baron coolly looked at them all.
"In the first place let us drink a glass of champagne to our friend's success," he said in a sarcastic tone.