eed. You have two alternatives: either
accept from me at once a new bill for twenty-four thousand francs
payable in six weeks, or else, as I have an appointment, go off to your
lawyer."

"And in six weeks," replied the usurer, "you will be in precisely the
same condition you are to-day. And forty-five days more of Juliette will
cost--"

"M. Clergeot," interrupted Noel, "long before that time, my position
will be completely changed. But I have finished," he added rising; "and
my time is valuable."

"One moment, you impatient fellow!" exclaimed the good-natured banker,
"you said twenty-four thousand francs at forty-five days?"

"Yes. 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. 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?"

"I did not say so."

"That's right. Be discreet. But I can take a hint. One word more. Beware
of the storm; your little woman has a suspicion of the truth. You are
right; it wouldn't do to be seeking money now. The slightest inquiry
would be sufficient to enlighten your father-in-law as to your financial
position, and you would lose the damsel. Marry and settle down. But get
rid of Juliette, or I won't give five francs for the fortune. So it is
settled: prepare a new bill for twenty-four thousand francs, and I will
call for it when I bring you the old ones on Monday."

"You haven't them with you, then?"

"No. And to be frank, I confess that, knowing well I should get nothing
from you, I left them with others at my lawyer's. 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 deliv