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Noel had disappeared with a displeased look; and almost immediately she heard his voice in the next room, saying: "At last you have come, M. Clergeot, I had almost given you up!" The visitor, whom the advocate had been expecting, is a person well known in the Rue St.
Listen to a little good advice, gratis. You must give her up, sooner or later, mustn't you? Do it to-day, then." As you see, our worthy Clergeot never minces the truth to his customers, when they do not keep their engagements. If they are displeased, so much the worse for them! His conscience is at rest. He would never join in any foolish business.
His Excellency escorted Madame Rabourdin to the staircase. It seems she was divinely dressed. In short, it is quite certain that Rabourdin is to be director. Riffe, the secretary's copying clerk, told me he sat up all the night before to draw the papers; it is no longer a secret. Monsieur Clergeot is retired. After thirty years' service that's no misfortune. Monsieur Cochlin, who is rich "
The chapter of complaints ended "You know," said he, "why I have called. Your bills fall due to-day; and I am devilishly in need of money. I have one of ten, one of seven, and a third of five thousand francs, total, twenty-two thousand francs." "Come, M. Clergeot," replied Noel, "do not let us have any joking." "Excuse me," said the usurer; "I am not joking at all."
"I know that the interest has been fully and promptly paid, and at a rate which cannot make you regret the investment." Clergeot never likes talking about the interest he received. He pretends that it is humiliating. "I do not complain; I only say that you take things too easily with me. If I had put your signature in circulation all would have been paid by now." "Not at all."
"Must I repeat it?" he said; "I am completely drained, com plete ly!" "Indeed?" said the usurer; "well, I am sorry for you; but I shall have to sue you." "And what good will that do? Let us play above board, M. Clergeot. Do you care to increase the lawyers' fees? You don't do you? Even though, you may put me to great expense, will that procure you even a centime?
Noel had a mistress, a woman whom Clergeot himself, the friend of such creatures, considered expensive! The revelation, at such a moment, pierced the old man's heart. But he dissembled. A gesture, a look, might awaken the usurer's mistrust, and close his mouth. "That's well known," replied Tabaret in a careless tone. "Youth must have it's day. But what do you suppose the wench costs him a year?"
They all came punctually, for one thing; more remained after four o'clock than was usual at other times. It was not forgotten that fees and gratuities depend on the last impressions made upon the minds of masters. The news of the union of the two divisions, that of La Billardiere and that of Clergeot, under one director, had spread through the various offices.
The old detective, who knew everybody, was well acquainted with the worthy banker. He had even done business with him once, when collecting books. He stopped him and said: "Halloa! you old crocodile, you have clients, then, in my house?" "So it seems," replied Clergeot dryly, for he does not like being treated with such familiarity. "Ah! ah!" said old Tabaret.
However, you may rest easy: you have my word." M. Clergeot made a pretence of retiring; but just as he was going out, he returned quickly. "I had almost forgotten," said he; "while you are about it, you can make the bill for twenty-six thousand francs. Your little woman ordered some dresses, which I shall deliver to-morrow; in this way they will be paid for." The advocate began to remonstrate.
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