Though Derville and Crottat threw some doubt on the zeal of the count's steward (a disturbing letter from whom had led to the consultation), Monsieur de Serizy defended Moreau, who, he said, had served him faithfully for seventeen years.
"Very well!" said Derville, "then I advise your Excellency to go to Presles yourself, and invite this Margueron to dinner.

Crottat will send his head-clerk with a deed of sale drawn up, leaving only the necessary lines for description of property and titles in blank.

Your Excellency should take with you part of the purchase money in a check on the Bank of France, not forgetting the appointment of the son to the collectorship.

If you don't settle the thing at once that farm will slip through your fingers.

You don't know, Monsieur le comte, the trickery of these peasants.