“F. Martin,” said I, “here is all I possess. It will be a care for me to keep these papers and collect my income. Do me the favor to take charge of my property.”
F. Martin was confused and gratified at such a proof of confidence. But his pleasure was somewhat modified when I added the following words:
“F. Martin, I attach one condition to this arrangement: you are not to take advantage of it to sermonize me. I now tell you, with a frankness that will preclude all surprise, I wish to amuse myself.... To what degree, or how long, I cannot say, but such is my present intention, that is certain.”
“O M. Louis, if your mother could only hear you!”
“F. Martin,” said I, with a gesture, as if to take back my portfolio, “if you are going to begin to preach to me, take care!... I shall give my papers to some one who may rob me. Then, instead of merely curtailing my property a little, I shall spend it all in two years, or four at the furthest; or rather, we shall spend it between us.”
“Dreadful boy! I always said you had the faculty of making everybody yield to you. Well, I will do as you wish.”
“Ah! that is right. One word more. When I have but twenty thousand francs left, you may warn me—not before!”
Things went on thus till a few days ago. I spent my property with a rapidity that frightened me when I thought of it. My father perceived it. My extravagance excited his indignation, but, faithful to his resolution to avoid all contention, he forebore saying anything. Not quite a fortnight ago, I met with a sad disappointment. An old aunt of mine died. I had calculated on being her heir, but she left all she had to my sister and other relatives, and gave me nothing. My unwise conduct had for some time prejudiced her against me. This disappointment made me quite thoughtful. I wrote F. Martin that I wished to know the exact state of my affairs. The next day Martin arrived at the appointed hour. He was pale and agitated—pitifully so.
“M. Louis,” said he, “you anticipated me. I was going to request an interview with you. You have now only twenty thousand francs!”
I made a strong effort to control myself, and replied, with a smiling air: “Well done! that is rather fast work!”