"Make it four thousand francs for each picture," said she, "or I do nothing."
"I am so poor! . . ." began Magus. "I want the pictures simply for their own sake, simply and solely for the love of art, my dear lady."
"I can understand that love, sonny, you are so dried up. But if you do not promise me sixteen thousand francs now, before Remonencq here, I shall want twenty to-morrow."
"Sixteen; I promise," returned the Jew, frightened by the woman's rapacity.
La Cibot turned to Remonencq.
"What oath can a Jew swear?" she inquired.
"You may trust him," replied the marine store-dealer. "He is as honest as I am."
"Very well; and you?" asked she, "if I get him to sell them to you, what will you give me?"
"Half-share of profits," Remonencq answered briskly.
"I would rather have a lump sum," returned La Cibot; "I am not in business myself."