“And while you are studying them, I will, with your permission, have a little talk with this gentleman.”
“You do me great honor,” said Corentin, who could not help giving a little shiver.
“You achieved a perfect success in our business,” said Jacques Collin. “I was beaten,” he added lightly, in the tone of a gambler who has lost his money, “but you left some men on the field—your victory cost you dear.”
“Yes,” said Corentin, taking up the jest, “you lost your queen, and I lost my two castles.”
“Oh! Contenson was a mere pawn,” said Jacques Collin scornfully; “you may easily replace him. You really are—allow me to praise you to your face—you are, on my word of honor, a magnificent man.”
“No, no, I bow to your superiority,” replied Corentin, assuming the air of a professional joker, as if he said, “If you mean humbug, by all means humbug! I have everything at my command, while you are single-handed, so to speak.”
“Oh! Oh!” said Jacques Collin.
“And you were very near winning the day!” said Corentin, noticing the exclamation. “You are quite the most extraordinary man I ever met in my life, and I have seen many very extraordinary men, for those I have to work with me are all remarkable for daring and bold scheming.
“I was, for my sins, very intimate with the late Duc d’Otranto; I have worked for Louis XVIII. when he was on the throne; and, when he was exiled, for the Emperor and for the Directory. You have the tenacity of Louvel, the best political instrument I ever met with; but you are as supple as the prince of diplomates. And what auxiliaries you have! I would give many a head to the guillotine if I could have in my service the cook who lived with poor little Esther.—And where do you find such beautiful creatures as the woman who took the Jewess’ place for Monsieur de Nucingen? I don’t know where to get them when I want them.”
“Monsieur, monsieur, you overpower me,” said Jacques Collin. “Such praise from you will turn my head——”