is scarcely the time to talk of millions. My relatives have cut off
my supplies; and my creditors are overwhelming me with their bills----"

But M. de Coralth checked him, saying gravely: "Upon my honor, I am not
jesting. What would you give a man who--"

"I would give him half of the fortune he gave me."

"That's too much!"

"No, no!"

He was in earnest, certainly. What wouldn't a man promise in all
sincerity of soul to a fellow mortal who gave him money when he had
none--when he needed it urgently and must have it to save himself from
ruin?

At such a moment no commission, however large, seems exorbitant. It is
afterward, when the day of settlement comes, that people begin to find
fault with the rate of interest.

"If I tell you that one-half is too much, it is because such is really
the case. And I am the best judge of the matter, since I am the man who
can put you in possession of this enormous fortune."

M. Wilkie started back in speechless amazement.

"This astonishes you!" said the viscount; "and why, pray? Is it because
I ask for a commission?"

"Oh! not at all!"

"It is not perhaps a very gentlemanly proceeding, but it is a sensible
one. Business is business. In the afternoon, when I am in a restaurant,
at the club, or in a lady's boudoir, I am merely the viscount and the
grand seigneur. All money questions sicken me. I am careless, liberal,
and obliging to a fault. But in the morning I am simply Coralth, a man
of the middle classes who doesn't pay his bills without examining them,
and who watches his money, because he doesn't wish to be ruined and end
his brilliant career as a common soldier in some foreign legion."

M. Wilkie did not allow him to continue. He believed, and his joy was
wild--delirious. "Enough, enough!" he interrupted. "A difficulty between
us! Never! I am yours without reserve! Do you understand me? How much
must you have? Do you wish for it all?"

But the viscount was unmoved. "It is not fitting that I should fix upon
the indemnity which is due to me. I will consult a man of business; and
I will decide upon this point on the day after to-morrow, when I shall
explain everything to you."

"On the day after to-morrow! You won't leave me in suspense for
forty-eight hours?"

"It is unavoidable. I have still some important information to procure.
I lost no time in coming to you, so that I might put you on your guard.
If any scoundrel comes to you with proposals, be extremely ca