"Monsieur! What do you mean?"
"There, there, my old mummy; let's not lose our temper. Where is Monsieur Grandcourt's nephew?"
"As if I knew, monsieur! I keep accounts, and nothing else, and I can't talk. You have put me out; I must begin all over again!"
"Very well, you shall begin again; nothing trains the youthful mind like addition. But you must answer my question first."
"Monsieur Grandcourt's private office is at the end of this passage, monsieur. Go and tell him what you want, and leave me to my accounts."
"All right! Do you know, I believe that excessive adding has hindered you sadly in your growth."
Cherami followed the passage, and, upon turning the knob of a door at the end, found himself in the banker's office. Monsieur Grandcourt was writing at his desk; being accustomed to the frequent coming and going of his clerks, he went on writing without looking up.
Cherami closed the door, examined Monsieur Grandcourt for a moment, and said to himself:
"That's our uncle—I recognize him. I never saw him but once, but that's enough. Besides, he has one of those peppery faces which have a certain chic."
He walked to the desk and removed his hat, saying: