"Supposing that the lender is satisfied with all his securities, and that the borrower is of age and of a family whose property is ample, solid, secure, and free from all incumbrances, there shall be drawn up a good and correct bond before as honest a notary as it is possible to find, and who for this purpose shall be chosen by the lender, because he is the more concerned of the two that the bond should be rightly executed." CLE. There is nothing to say against that. LA FL. "The lender, not to burden his conscience with the least scruple, does not wish to lend his money at more than five and a half per cent." CLE. Five and a half per cent? By Jove, that's honest! We have nothing to complain of. LA FL. That's true. "But as the said lender has not in hand the sum required, and as, in order to oblige the borrower, he is himself obliged to borrow from another at the rate of twenty per cent., it is but right that the said first borrower shall pay this interest, without detriment to the rest; since it is only to oblige him that the said lender is himself forced to borrow." CLE. The deuce! What a Jew! what a Turk we have here! That is more than twenty-five per cent. LA FL. That's true; and it is the remark I made. It is for you to consider the matter before you act. CLE. How can I consider? I want the money, and I must therefore accept everything. LA FL. That is exactly what I answered. CLE. Is there anything else? LA FL. Only a small item. "Of the fifteen thousand francs which are demanded, the lender will only be able to count down twelve thousand in hard cash; instead of the remaining three thousand, the borrower will have to take the chattels, clothing, and jewels, contained in the following catalogue, and which the said lender has put in all good faith at the lowest possible figure." CLE. What is the meaning of all that? LA FL. I'll go through the catalogue:-- "Firstly:--A fourpost bedstead, with hangings of Hungary lace very elegantly trimmed with olive-coloured cloth, and six chairs and a counterpane to match; the whole in very good condition, and lined with soft red and blue shot-silk. Item:--the tester of good pale pink Aumale serge, with the small and the large fringes of silk." CLE. What does he want me to do with all this? LA FL. Wait. "Item:--Tapestry hangings representing the loves of Gombaud and Macée.[1] Item:--A large walnut table with twelve columns or turned legs, which draws out at both ends, and is provided beneath with six stools." CLE. Hang it all! What am I to do with all this? LA FL. Have patience. "Item:--Three large matchlocks inlaid with mother-of-pearl, with rests to correspond. Item:--A brick furnace with two retorts and three receivers, very useful to those who have any taste for distilling." CLE. You will drive me crazy. LA FL. Gently!