"Only a poor little million, cash down," said M. Boyer, quite disdainfully, taking another pinch of snuff. "Add to this million about two hundred thousand francs of debts, it is passable. It is then, to tell you, my dear Edward, that I have had an idea of letting this house, admirably furnished as it is, to some English people. Some of your compatriots would have paid well for it." "Without doubt. Why do you not do it?" "Yes, but I fancy things are risky, so I have decided to sell. My lord is so well known as a connoisseur, that everything would bring a double price, so that I should realize a round sum. Do as I shall, Edward; realize, realize, and do not adventure your earnings in speculations. You chief coachman of the Viscount de Saint Remy! It will be, who can get you. Only yesterday some one spoke to me of a minor just of age, a cousin of the Duchess de Lucenay, young Duke de Montbrison, arrived from Italy with his tutor, and about seeing life. Two hundred and fifty thousand livres income, in good land; and just entering into life--twenty years old. All the illusions of confidence--all the infatuation of expense--prodigal as a prince. I know the intendant. I can tell you this in confidence: he has already nearly agreed with me as first valet de chambre. He countenances me, the flat!" And M. Boyer shrugged his shoulders again, having recourse to his snuff-box. "You hope to foist him out?" "Rather! he is imbecile or impertinent. He puts me there as if he had no fear of me! Before two months are over I shall be in his place." "Two hundred and fifty thousand livres income!" said Edward, reflecting, "and a young man. It is a good seat." "I will tell you what there is to do. I will speak for you to my protector," said M. Boyer, ironically. "Enter there--it is a fortune which has roots, to which one can hang on for a long time. Not this miserable million of the viscount's--a real snowball--one ray of Parisian sun, and all is over. I saw here that I should only be a bird of passage: it is a pity, for this house does us honor; and up to the last moment, I will serve my lord with the respect and esteem which are his due." "My dear Boyer, I thank you, and accept your proposition; but suppose I was to propose to the young duke this stable? It is all ready; it is known and admired by all Paris." "Exactly so; you might make a mint." "But why do you not propose this house to him, so admirably furnished? What can he find better?"