"Oh, as to you losing your head -- you, monsieur!"

"Now my head is my own, and I mean to take better care of it
than ever. In the first place we shall talk business. How
fares our money-box?"

"Wonderfully well, monsieur. The twenty thousand livres I
had of you are still employed in my trade, in which they
bring me nine per cent. I give you seven, so I gain two by
you."

"And you are still satisfied?"

"Delighted. Have you brought me any more?"

"Better than that. But do you want any?"

"Oh! not at all. Every one is willing to trust me now. I am
extending my business."

"That was your intention."

"I play the banker a little. I buy goods of my needy
brethren; I lend money to those who are not ready for their
payments."

"Without usury?"

"Oh! monsieur, in the course of the last week I have had two
meetings on the boulevards, on account of the word you have