“You do well to trust it, as your father did, to me: it shall not be implicated—”
“When once I am of age,” interrupted Beauclerc.
“You will do as you please,” said the general. “In the mean time I shall do my duty.”
“But, sir, I only ask you to let me lend this money.”
“Lend—nonsense! lend to a man who cannot give any security.”
“Security!” said Beauclerc, with a look of unutterable contempt. “When a friend is in distress, to talk to him like an attorney, of security! Do, pray, sir, spare me that. I would rather give the money at once.”
“I make no doubt of it; then at once I say No, sir.”
“No, sir! and why do you say no?”
“Because I think it my duty, and nothing I have heard has at all shaken my opinion.”
“Opinion! and so I am to be put down by opinion, without any reason!” cried Beauclerc. Then trying to command his temper, “But tell me, my dear general, why I cannot have this cursed money?”