"If anybody is possessed of wealth such as Mademoiselle Clary can boast of, every eccentricity is excusable."
"I am exceedingly obliged," said Clary laughing. "I should nevertheless not have chosen this course except through necessity. But in order to return to our business, I have to inform you of my demands."
"No doubt: in the first instance, money! How much do you stand in need of?"
"Am I at liberty to draw upon you for the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand francs, Mr. Mortimer?"
"Pooh! a mere bagatelle; to-morrow morning it is at your disposal."
"To-morrow morning? No, Mr. Mortimer, I am in want of it at once."
"At once, mademoiselle? Impossible! The bank is closed."
"Then order it to be opened."
"But this is against the rules of our establishment!"
"You will have to deviate from this rule on my account, unless you prefer to decline altogether to do business with me. Mr. Bradwood will, no doubt, be ready to take your place!"