"Well, his horses were harnessed, and he sent me word by his _valet de chambre_, that he would come here directly. But he didn't seem best pleased, the servant said. Oh, my boys! such a lovely little house, furnished most magnificently, like one of the dwellings of the olden time that Faublas writes about. Oh, Faublas! he is my hero--my model!" said the clerk, putting down his umbrella and taking off his clogs. "You are right, Jabulot; for, as that sublime old blind man, Homer, said: 'Faublas, that amorous hero, it is said, Forsook the duchess for the waiting-maid.'" "Yes; but then, she was a theatrical 'waiting-maid,' my lads." "I demand Chalamel's head!" "But about this Viscount de Saint-Remy? Jabulot says his mansion is superb." "Pyramidic!" "Then, I'll be bound, he has debts not a few, and arrests to match, this viscount." "A bill of thirty-four thousand francs (1,360_l._) has been sent here by the officer. It is made payable at the office. This is his creditors' doing; I don't know why or wherefore." "Well, I should say that this dandy viscount would pay now, because he came from the country last night, where he has been concealed these three days, in order to escape from the bailiffs." "How is it, then, that they have not seized the furniture already?" "Why? oh, he's too cunning! The house is not his own; all the furniture is in the name of his _valet de chambre_, who is said to let it to him furnished; and, in the same way, his horses and carriages are in his coachman's name, who declares that he lets to the viscount his splendid turn-out at so much a month. Ah, he's a 'downy' one, is M. de Saint-Remy! But what were you going to tell me? what has happened here fresh?" "Why, imagine the governor coming in here two hours ago in a most awful passion. 'Germain is not here?' he exclaimed. 'No, sir.' 'Well, the rascal has robbed me last night of seventeen thousand francs!' says the governor." "Germain--rob--ah, come, that's 'no go!'"