“Oh! they’re a long way off. In the first place, I paid debts, settled with tradesmen; that ruined me. I can’t bear to have debts! In that respect I carry delicacy to the point of absurdity, perhaps. However, a man can’t make himself over, so I never borrow; especially as no one would lend me.”
Having satisfied herself that they were quite alone, Thélénie went back to Croque, who had thrown himself into an easy-chair and stretched himself out as if he proposed to go to sleep.
“Listen, Croque,” she said; “I am willing to give you money again,—to come to your assistance, but you must do something for me.”
“Whatever you choose, I will do! I am at your service, and you know my talents.”
“There are two women whom I hate and detest; one of them is my rival, the other has insulted me; and they live together.”
“Very good. Where do they live?”
“Here, in this very village; they occupy a small house—quite isolated; I will show it to you.”
“You let me know what you want, and things will move; express train, no stops!”
“Oh! we must act prudently; I don’t know yet what I shall do; the main point now is for you to establish yourself in this place.”
“Am I not all right here in your house?”