"I feel deeply honored, my dear marquis," said the latter, bowing.
"When I wanted more money I knew where to get it."
"Happy fellow," called out de Lacheville with a laugh.
"I went to the steward who managed my estates. I have estates, or rather had them, for they are now mortgaged to the last notch, in Normandy, Picardy, Auvergne and Poitou—I would say to my steward, 'I need more money.'"
"'Very well, monsieur le marquis, but I must put on the screws a little to get it.'
"'Put on a dozen if you like, but get me the funds.'
"'It shall be done, monsieur le marquis.'
"Again and again I went to him for money. He always responded in the same manner, but each time the screws had to be turned a little tighter. Do you suppose my peasants love me for that? No, they hate me just as yours hate you, de Lacheville, and yours hate you, d'Arlincourt." De Lacheville laughed, and the count lifted up his hand in denial. "I knew that the day of reckoning would come," St. Hilaire went on. "Every time I went to Monsieur Rignot, my steward, every time he put on the screws at my request, I knew it was bringing us nearer the final smash."
"Us!" repeated d'Arlincourt, with a gesture of impatience.
"Yes, us," said St. Hilaire; "we are all in the same boat, but we have all done the same thing in a greater or less degree. We shall all have to pay the penalty."