r friend M. De Tournas--all that
seems to me the height of foolishness. And at the bottom of your own
thoughts you think just as I do. So now, now that you really have got
to a serious explanation of affairs, let us reach a real irrevocable
determination of them. Are you willing to let me arrange your life for
you in the future exactly as I would wish to arrange my own life? Are
you willing to have confidence in me, and after having brought me up
in your way, are you willing that in turn, while there is still time
for it, I should--bring you up in mine?

_Count_--Yes, go on.

_Andre_--Very well,--to severe diseases strong remedies. You think a
great deal of our Vilsac estate?

_Count_--I was born there. I should not be sorry to end my days
there.

_Andre_--Very well. We will keep Vilsac for you, and find money in
some other way to pay off the mortgage.

_Count_--How?

_Andre_--That's my business; only you must send away the two piqueurs,
and six of the keepers.

_Count_--Poor fellows!

_Andre_--And only four horses are to be kept. No more entertainments
are to be given, no more fireworks. You will entertain only two or
three intimate friends now and then,--if we find as many friends as
that among all those that are about us nowadays here.--and you will
stay at Vilsac seven or eight months of the year.

_Count_--Alone!

_Andre_--Wait a little. I have not finished yet. This house where we
are must be sold. We must put out of doors these servants, who are
just so many thieves; and we will keep at Paris only a very modest
stopping-place.

_Count_--Will you kindly allow me to get my breath?

_Andre_--Don't stir, or my surgical operation will not be successful.
Now that your debts are paid there will be left to you--

_Count_--There will be left to me--

_Andre_--Forty thousand livres income, and as much for me,--no more;
and with all that, during three or four years you will not have the
capital at your disposition.

_Count_--Heavens, what a smash!

_Andre_--Are you willing to accept my scheme?

_Count_--I must.

_Andre_--Very well, then: sign these papers!

_Count_--What are they?

_Andre_--They are papers which I have just got from the notary, and
which I have been expecting to make you sign while at Dieppe and send
to me; but since you are here--

_Count_ [_signs_]--Since I am here, I may as well sign at once: you
are quite right,--there you are.

_Andre_--Very well; now as, according to my