"You are a heedless fellow, and you don't think about making money. But I am not, like La Thomassinière, one of those selfish men who think of nobody but themselves. I find an opportunity to get a handsome return for my funds, but I say to myself: 'Why shouldn't I take my dear friend Dalville into this affair? Why enrich myself alone? A friend's happiness doubles our own.' And then I am not ambitious, I have no desire to throw dust in people's eyes and put on airs, like certain acquaintances of ours. I want to make myself comfortable, that's all. In a word, the matter that I spoke to you about some time ago can be carried through; I will guarantee a certain profit; but I must have funds." "I can raise two hundred and fifty thousand francs." "That's enough; with what I have we can go ahead. In less than a year I propose that that amount shall bring you in twenty-five thousand. Not so bad, eh?" "I trust to your prudence; I understand very little about business, but I should not want to risk my fortune." "Oh! never fear, my friend; when it comes to prudence, I am a regular serpent! Besides, what about myself? do you suppose that I mean to risk my own money?--When will you be able to obtain the cash?" "To-morrow." "Bring it when you come to dinner." "Certainly." "That's settled; the receipt will be all ready, for everything must be done in due form.--My dear fellow, you are growing fat; you look delightfully well." "Do you think so? The fact is that I feel a little tired to-day." "Faith, it doesn't show. You're a hearty buck! How old are you? Not more than twenty-two, surely?" "Almost twenty-seven." "That is most extraordinary!--But I must leave you; I have so much business on hand. I must go to see Monin; I have sold his drug shop for him. I am going to ask him to dinner, and his wife too. They are not very brilliant, especially poor Monin himself, who allows his wife to lead him about like a baby; but he's honest, yes, he's probity itself; and I demand that, yes, I demand that above all things.--Until to-morrow then, my dear fellow, and don't forget the money." "That is understood." Destival left Auguste after shaking hands with him again, as if he had a convulsion. In the reception room the business agent met Bertrand. New salutations to the ex-corporal, with whom he also shook hands, saying: "The excellent and worthy Bertrand! I am so glad to meet you! How's the health, old fellow? still robust? As well set up as ever, I see! What a fine thing it is to have been a soldier! But I assure you that that one lesson you gave me did me a deal of good! I hope that one of these days you will be willing to give me another, my good fellow, and I shall always be proud to receive them.--Au revoir, excellent Bertrand!" And without giving Bertrand time to say a word in reply, Monsieur Destival rushed through the door and down the stairs; and shouted at the top of his voice before he reached the foot of the last flight: