Monsieur de Hoogebaen died during his journey in Germany; his heirs found your bond for four thousand _francs_, and have directed me _not_ to renew it.

If Monsieur Hoogebaen was your friend his heirs certainly are not.

During ten years you have failed to cancel this debt, and have paid two thousand _francs_ interest; so that, for your own sake, it is time the transaction should be closed.

Four months are still left, Monsieur Vlierbeck, before the expiration of--" "_Only_ four months!" interrupted the poor gentleman, in a distressed tone; "_only_ four months, and then--oh, God!" "Then your property will be sold according to law," said the notary, dryly, finishing the sentence.

"I can well understand, sir, that this is a painful prospect; but, as it is a decree of fate that no one can control, you have nothing to do but prepare to receive the blow.