He lends to women upon their present beauty, to men upon their future talent. Slight pledges! His discernment, it should be said, however, enjoys a great reputation. It is rarely at fault. A pretty girl furnished by Clergeot is sure to go far. For an artist to be in Clergeot’s debt was a recommendation preferable to the warmest criticism. Madame Juliette had procured this useful and honourable acquaintance for her lover. Noel, who well knew how sensitive this worthy man was to kind attentions, and how pleased by politeness, began by offering him a seat, and asking after his health. Clergeot went into details. His teeth were still good; but his sight was beginning to fail. His legs were no longer so steady, and his hearing was not all that could be desired. 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 rather think you are though. Why, it’s just eight days ago to-day that I wrote to tell you that I was not prepared to meet the bills, and asked for a renewal!” “I recollect very well receiving your letter.” “What do you say to it, then?” “By my not answering the note, I supposed that you would understand that I could not comply with your request; I hoped that you would exert yourself to find the amount for me.” Noel allowed a gesture of impatience to escape him. “I have not done so,” he said; “so take your own course. I haven’t a sou.” “The devil. Do you know that I have renewed these bills four times already?” “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.” “Yes, you would have found means to escape being sued. But you say to yourself: ‘Old Clergeot is a good fellow.’ And that is true. But I am so only when it can do me no harm. Now, to-day, I am absolutely in great need of my money. Ab--so--lute--ly,” he added, emphasising each syllable. The old fellow’s decided tone seemed to disturb the advocate. “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.”