“Come, come!”
“I must ask you to believe me. I thought her affections free.”
“And she was—”
“Betrothed.”
“Really now, that’s very funny!”
“I did not find it funny, uncle. I suffered bitterly, I assure you.”
“I dare say, I dare say. The illusions you spoke of anyhow, it’s all over now?”
“Quite over.”
“Well, that being the case, Fabien, I am ready to help you. Confess frankly to me. How much is required?”
“How much?”