"Excessively stingy; which is a guarantee for his clients." "In fact, he is one of the notaries of the 'old rock,' who ask you whom you take them for when you ask them for a receipt for the money which you place in their hands." "That would have no effect on me; I would trust him with my whole fortune." "But where the deuce did Saint-Remy imbibe his doubts with respect to this honest man, whose integrity is proverbial?" "I am but the echo of certain vague reports; besides, I have no reason for running down this phoenix of notaries. But to return to your plans, D'Harville, what is it you wish to build at Val-Richer? I have heard that the chateau is excessively beautiful." "Make yourself easy, my dear Saint-Remy, for you shall be consulted, and sooner than you expect, perhaps, for I take much pleasure in such works. I think that there is nothing more interesting than to have those affairs in hand, which expand as you examine them, and they advance, giving you occupation for years to come. To-day one project, next year another, after that something else springs up. Add to this a charming woman whom one adores, and who shares your every taste and pleasure, then, _ma foi!_ life passes sweetly enough." "I think so, _pardieu_! Why, it then makes earth a perfect paradise." "Now, gentlemen," said D'Harville, when the breakfast was finished, "if you will smoke a cigar in my cabinet, you will find some excellent Havannahs there." They rose from the table, and returned to the cabinet of the marquis. The door of his bedchamber, which communicated with it, was open. We have said the only decoration of the room consisted of two small racks of very beautiful arms. M. de Lucenay, having lighted a cigar, followed the marquis into his room. "You see, I am still a great lover of good weapons," said D'Harville to him. "Yes, and I see you have here some splendid English and French guns. _Ma foi!_ I hardly know which to admire most. Douglas," exclaimed M. de Lucenay, "come and see if these fowling-pieces are not equal to your crack Mantons." Lord Douglas, Saint-Remy, and the two other guests went into the marquis's room to examine the arms. M. d'Harville, taking down a duelling-pistol, cocked it, and said, laughingly: "Here, gentlemen, is the universal panacea for all the ills,--spleen, disgust, weariness." And as he spoke, jestingly, he placed the muzzle to his lips. "_Ma foi!_ I prefer another specific," said Saint-Remy; "that is only good in the most desperate cases." "Yes, but it is so speedy," said M. d'Harville. "Click! and it is done!" "Pray be cautious, D'Harville; these jokes are always so rash and dangerous; and accident happens in an instant," said M. de Lucenay. "My dear fellow, do you think I would do so if it were loaded?" "Of course not, but it is always imprudent." "See, gentlemen, how it is done. You introduce the muzzle delicately between the teeth, and then--"