attempt to put my position before you--I am a penniless clerk, with no
one to look to but you, and no heart in the world but yours can form a
clear idea of my probable future. Let us leave hearts out of the
question. Business is business, and business is not carried on with
sentimentality like romances. Now to the facts. My principal's
practice is worth in his hands about twenty thousand francs per annum;
in my hands, I think it would bring in forty thousand. He is willing
to sell it for a hundred and fifty thousand francs. And _here_,' I
said, striking my forehead, 'I feel that if you would lend me the
purchase-money, I could clear it off in ten years' time.'

"'Come, that is plain speaking,' said Daddy Gobseck, and he held out
his hand and grasped mine. 'Nobody since I have been in business has
stated the motives of his visit more clearly. Guarantees?' asked he,
scanning me from head to foot. 'None to give,' he added after a pause,
'How old are you?'

"'Twenty-five in ten days' time,' said I, 'or I could not open the
matter.'

"'Precisely.'

"'Well?'

"'It is possible.'

"'My word, we must be quick about it, or I shall have some one buying
over my head.'

"'Bring your certificate of birth round to-morrow morning, and we