Noel was enraged at hearing his Juliette thus spoke of by this honourable personage.  But what reply could he make?  Besides, none of us are perfect; and M. Clergeot possessed the fault of not properly appreciating women, which doubtless arises from the business transactions he has had with them.  He is charming in his business with the fair sex, complimenting and flattering them; but the coarsest insults would be less revolting than his disgusting familiarity.

“You have gone too fast,” he continued, without deigning to notice his client’s ill looks; “and I have told you so before.  But, you would not listen; you are mad about the girl.  You can never refuse her anything.  Fool!  When a pretty girl wants anything, you should let her long for it for a while; she has then something to occupy her mind and keep her from thinking of a quantity of other follies.  Four good strong wishes, well managed, ought to last a year.  You don’t know how to look after your own interests.  I know that her glance would turn the head of a stone saint; but you should reason with yourself, hang it!  Why, there are not ten girls in Paris who live in such style!  And do you think she loves you any the more for it?  Not a bit.  When she has ruined you, she’ll leave you in the lurch.”

Noel accepted the eloquence of his prudent banker like a man without an umbrella accepts a shower.

“What is the meaning of all this!” he asked.

“Simply that I will not renew your bills.  You understand?  Just now, if you try very hard, you will be able to hand me the twenty-two thousand francs in question.  You need not frown:  you will find means to do so to prevent my seizing your goods,—­not here, for that would be absurd, but at your little woman’s apartments.  She would not be at all pleased, and would not hesitate to tell you so.”

“But everything there belongs to her; and you have no right—­”

“What of that?  She will oppose the seizure, no doubt, and I expect her to do so; but she will make you find the requisite sum.  Believe me, you had best parry the blow.  I insist on being paid now.  I won’t give you any further delay; because, in three months’ time, you will have used your last resources.  It is no use saying ‘No,’ like that.  You are in one of those conditions that must be continued at any price.  You would burn the wood from your dying mother’s bed to warm this creature’s feet.  Where did you obtain the ten thousand francs that you left with her the other evening?  Who knows what you will next attempt to procure money?  The idea of keeping her fifteen days, three days, a single day more, may lead you far.  Open your eyes.  I know the game well.  If you do not leave Juliette, you are lost.  Listen to a little good advice, gratis.  You must give her up, sooner or later, mustn’t you?  Do it to-day, then.”

As you see, our worthy Clergeot never minces the truth to his customers, when they do not keep their engagements.  If they are displeased, so much the worse for them!  His conscience is at rest.  He would never join in any foolish business.