“And you are quite right. Let him rob others—that is to say, make sport of others—and I’ve not a word to say; that is cleverness, tact!—However, this Dalville is in a most infernal position!”
“That’s what I thought as soon as he told me he had nothing left.”
“If he even had any social rank—a title—any of those things that may lead to everything.”
“In short, if he were noble.”
“Oh! in that case he might get out of it—but when a man isn’t noble it’s essential that he should be rich!”
“To be sure—that’s another of my principles.”
“And it’s all a part of the system of equality and philosophy that I was describing to you just now. I was interested in this Dalville; but my friendship for you takes precedence of everything; that is why I conceive it to be my duty not to conceal anything from you.”
“Conceal nothing, I pray, monsieur le marquis!”
“Do you know what he said to me just now when I was leaving the salon?”