"And now, behold," continued he, with a bitter smile,--"behold every cent I have in the world; and to-morrow rich people are to dine at my house! If my poverty is betrayed by any thing, farewell to my child's prospects! For God's sake, my good friend, be generous, and help me!" "A thousand _francs_!" muttered the notary, shaking his head; "I can't deceive my clients, sir.

What pledge can you give to secure the loan?
You possess nothing which is not already mortgaged beyond its value." "A thousand! five hundred! two hundred!" cried De Vlierbeck.

"Lend me, at least, _something_ to relieve me from this cruel difficulty!" "I have no disposable funds," replied the notary, coldly.

"In a fortnight perhaps I may have some; but even then I could promise nothing positively." "Then, for the sake of friendship, I beseech you, lend me some money yourself!" "I could never expect that you would return what I might lend," said the notary, contemptuously; "and so it is an _alms_ you ask of me ?" Poor De Vlierbeck trembled on his chair and became pale as ashes; his eyes flashed wildly and his brow knotted with frowns.

Yet he quickly curbed the unwonted agitation, bowed his head, and sighed, resignedly, "ALMS! Alas! so be it! let me drink the very dregs of this bitter cup: _it is for my child_!" The notary went to a drawer and took from it some five-franc-pieces, which he offered to his visitor.