Observe, in fact, that James and William are perfectly free, as regards the transaction to which the plane gave occasion.

The transaction cannot be accomplished without the consent of the one as well as of the other.

The worst which can happen is, that James may be too exacting; and in this case, William, refusing the loan, remains as he was before.

By the fact of his agreeing to borrow, he proves that he considers it an advantage to himself; he proves, that after every calculation, including the remuneration, whatever it may be, required of him, he still finds it more profitable to borrow than not to borrow.

He only determines to do so because he has compared the inconveniences with the advantages.