never under any
circumstances directly obliged one of their friends? If their own
father, of whom they always speak with the greatest veneration, asked
them to lend him fifty francs for a month, they would say to him as
they do to every one else: 'We are rather cramped just now; but see that
rascal B----.' And that rascal B----, who is the most pliable tool in
existence, will, providing father N---- offers unquestionable security,
lend the old gentleman his son's money at from twelve to fifteen per
cent. interest, plus a small commission."

These ideas and recollections were of considerable assistance in
restoring Valorsay's composure. "Enough said, then," he answered,
lightly. "I accept with pleasure. But----"

"Ah! so there is a but!"

"There is always one. I must warn you that it will be difficult for me
to repay this loan in less than two months."

This, then, was the time he thought necessary for the accomplishment of
his designs.

"That does not matter," replied Pascal, "and even if you desire a longer
delay."
"That will be unnecessary, thank you! But there is one thing more."

"What is that?"

"What will this negotiation cost me?"

Pascal had expected this question, and he had prepared a reply which was
in perfect keeping with the spirit of the role he had assumed. "I shall
charge you the ordinary rates," he answered, "six per cent. interest,
plus one-and-a-half per cent. commission."

"Bah!"

"Plus the remuneration for my trouble and services."

"And what remuneration will satisfy you?"

"One thousand francs. Is it too much?"

If the marquis had retained the shadow of a doubt, it vanished now.
"Ah!" he sneered, "that strikes me as a very liberal compensation for
your services!"

But he would gladly have recalled the sneer when he saw how the agent
received it. Pascal drew up his head with a deeply injured air, and
remarked in the chilling tone of a person who is strongly tempted to
retract his word, "Then there is nothing more to be said, M. le Marquis;
and since you find the conditions onerous----"

"I did not say so," interrupted M. de Valorsay, quickly--"I did not even
think it!"

This gave Pascal an opportunity to present his programme, and he availed
himself of it. "Others may pretend to oblige people merely from motives
of friendship," he remarked. "But I am more honest. If I do anything
in the way of business, I expect to be paid for it; and I vary my terms
according to my clients'