He promised to employ an extremely clever broker to treat with Savinien's creditors; but said that in order to succeed it would be necessary for the young man to stay several days longer in prison.
"Haste in such matters always means the loss of at least fifteen per cent," said the notary.

"Besides, you can't get your money under seven or eight days." When Ursula heard that Savinien would have to say at least a week longer in jail she begged her godfather to let her go there, if only once.

Old Minoret refused.

The uncle and niece were staying at a hotel in the Rue Croix des Petits-Champs where the doctor had taken a very suitable apartment.

Knowing the scrupulous honor and propriety of his goddaughter he made her promise not to go out while he was away; at other times he took her to see the arcades, the shops, the boulevards; but nothing seemed to amuse or interest her.
"What do you want to do ?" asked the old man.
"See Saint-Pelagie," she answered obstinately.
Minoret called a hackney-coach and took her to the Rue de la Clef, where the carriage drew up before the shabby front of an old convent then transformed into a prison.