“My dear cousin,” said Charles, recovering a little of his assurance, “we can push each other’s fortunes.”
“Agreed,” said the president. “Here is also a little case which I am charged to give into your own hands,” he added, placing on the table the leather box which contained the dressing-case.
“Well, my dear friend,” said Madame d’Aubrion, entering the room without noticing the president, “don’t pay any attention to what poor Monsieur d’Aubrion has just said to you; the Duchesse de Chaulieu has turned his head. I repeat, nothing shall interfere with the marriage—”
“Very good, madame. The three millions which my father owed were paid yesterday.”
“In money?” she asked.
“Yes, in full, capital and interest; and I am about to do honor to his memory—”
“What folly!” exclaimed his mother-in-law. “Who is this?” she whispered in Grandet’s ear, perceiving the president.
“My man of business,” he answered in a low voice.
The marquise bowed superciliously to Monsieur de Bonfons.
“We are pushing each other’s fortunes already,” said the president, taking up his hat. “Good-by, cousin.”