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It is rarely at fault. A pretty girl furnished by Clergeot is sure to go far. For an artist to be in Clergeot's debt was a recommendation preferable to the warmest criticism. Madame Juliette had procured this useful and honourable acquaintance for her lover.
"Yes, you would have found means to escape being sued. But you say to yourself: 'Old Clergeot is a good fellow. And that is true. But I am so only when it can do me no harm. Now, to-day, I am absolutely in great need of my money. Ab so lute ly," he added, emphasising each syllable. The old fellow's decided tone seemed to disturb the advocate.
Noel, who well knew how sensitive this worthy man was to kind attentions, and how pleased by politeness, began by offering him a seat, and asking after his health. Clergeot went into details. His teeth were still good; but his sight was beginning to fail. His legs were no longer so steady, and his hearing was not all that could be desired.
That is about seventy-five per cent, pretty fair interest." "I never cavil about interest," said M. Clergeot; "only " He looked slyly at Noel scratching his chin violently, a movement which in him indicated how insensibly his brain was at work. "Only," he continued, "I should very much like to know what you are counting upon." "That I will not tell you.
It's annoying to have a puzzle for a lover, a man whom one knows nothing whatever about, a riddle in a black coat and a white cravat, a sad and mysterious being " "You have been imprudent." "Why? Because he is going to get married? Why does he not admit it then?" "Suppose that it is not true." "Oh, but it is! He told that old shark Clergeot so, who repeated it to me.
You will know it ere long, in common with all the world." "I have it!" cried M. Clergeot, "I have it! You are going to marry! You have found an heiress, of course, your little Juliette told me something of the sort this morning. Ah! you are going to marry! Is she pretty? But no matter. She has a full purse, eh? You wouldn't take her without that. So you are going to start a home of your own?"
And, prompted by the very natural curiosity of a landlord who is bound to be very careful about the financial condition of his tenants, he added, "Who the deuce are you ruining now?" "I am ruining no one," replied M. Clergeot, with an air of offended dignity. "Have you ever had reason to complain of me whenever we have done business together? I think not.
After a few general remarks, the great event of the day was brought up. A deputy. "So you lose Rabourdin?" Des Lupeaulx. "He has resigned." Clergeot. "They say he wanted to reform the administration." De la Briere. "According to Monsieur Rabourdin, one hundred clerks with a salary of twelve thousand francs would do better and quicker work than a thousand clerks at twelve hundred." Clergeot.
The advocate turned red with passion, his eyes glittered; but he dissembled, and protested with some spirit. "We know what we know," continued Clergeot quietly. "Before a man risks his money, he takes care to make some inquiries. Mamma's remaining bonds were sold last October. Ah! the Rue de Provence is an expensive place! I have made an estimate, which is at home.
Noel could bear it no longer: and his anger burst forth. "Enough," he cried decidedly. "Do as you please, M. Clergeot, but have done with your advice. I prefer the lawyer's plain prose. If I have committed follies, I can repair them, and in a way that would surprise you. Yes, M. Clergeot, I can procure twenty-two thousand francs; I could have a hundred thousand to-morrow morning, if I saw fit.
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