"Zo? And permit me to ask, what is your business with Madame la Comtesse de Vaudrey?"
"Before I reply, permit me to ask by what right you question me, and what you are doing here?"
"Decidedly, Monsieur. My name is Jan Grootz; I am here by the power of attorney I hold from Madame de Vaudrey. I beg you see it is in due form."
He exhibited a roll of parchment which Polignac glanced at; he was patently annoyed; his mouth twitched towards his left ear. Aglionby meanwhile had edged towards him, evidently with the intention of whispering something; but Sherebiah noted the movement and exclaimed:
"Keep a still tongue, Rafe Aglionby, 'ee were best, I tell 'ee."
"You are aware, then, Monsieur," said Polignac, "that I come according to due notice as required by law to demand payment of a bond, or possession of this estate, as provided in the deed?"
"Yes; I know it; what is the amount payable under the bond?"
"Fourteen thousand guilders, Monsieur."
Grootz pointed through the open doorway of the reception-room to the bags upon the table.
"There is the money, Monsieur. You will please to count it, and give me a quittance, and hand the bond to me to be destroyed."