"Don't hit my ledger like that; don't you see that you raise the dust?"
"Yes, to be sure, I see that I raise lots of dust; your office-boys don't dust here every day, it seems?"
"Thirty-five—forty-four—fifty-three."
"Ah! the machine's starting up again. Look you: I would be glad to avoid applying to your employer, Monsieur Grandcourt, as we're not on the best of terms. Come, Papa Double-Naught, tell me if the banker's nephew, Gustave, has returned from Germany. I have something to say to him—something important, very important; I am anxious to assure his happiness! Well?"
"Eighty from a hundred and sixty leaves——"
"Ah! this is too much! it passes conception! He ought to be sent to the Exposition!"
Having brought his switch down on the desk once more, with such violence that the sand and ink flew up into the clerk's face, Cherami strode toward the banker's private office, and found that gentleman reading the newspaper.
At sight of Cherami, whom he recognized at once, although his apparel was greatly improved, Monsieur Grandcourt frowned. His visitor, on the contrary, tried to smile, and said, bowing gracefully:
"Monsieur, I have the honor to be your servant."
"Good-morning, monsieur!"