This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of thefile for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making anentire meal of them. D.W.]
SERGE PANINE
By GEORGES OHNET
BOOK 4.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE UNIVERSAL CREDIT COMPANY
The banking-house of Cayrol had not a very imposing appearance. It wasa narrow two-storied building, the front blackened by time. There was acarriage gateway, on the right-hand side of which was the entrance to theoffices. The stairs leading to the first floor were covered by a well-worn carpet. Here was a long corridor into which the different officesopened. On their glass doors might be read: "Payments of dividends.""Accounts." "Foreign correspondence." "General office." Cayrol's ownroom was quite at the end, and communicated with his private apartments.Everything breathed of simplicity and honesty. Cayrol had never tried tothrow dust into people's eyes. He had started modestly when opening thebank; his business had increased, but his habits had remained the same.It was not a difficult matter to obtain an interview, even by people notknown to him. They sent in their cards, and were admitted to hissanctum.
It was amid the coming and going of customers and clerks that PrincePanine came the following day to find Cayrol. For the first time Sergehad put himself out for the banker. He was introduced with marks of themost profound respect. The great name of Desvarennes seemed to cast akind of halo round his head in the eyes of the clerks.
Cayrol, a little embarrassed, but still resolute, went toward him. Sergeseemed nervous and somewhat abrupt in manner. He foresaw somedifficulty.
"Well! my dear fellow," he said, without sitting down. "What are you upto? I have waited since yesterday for the money you promised me."
Cayrol scratched his ear, and felt taken aback by this plain speaking.
"The fact is—" stammered he.
"Have you forgotten your engagement?" asked Serge, frowning.
"No," replied Cayrol, speaking slowly, "but I met Madame Desvarennesyesterday."
"And what had that to do with your intentions?"
"Zounds! It had everything to do with them. Your mother-in-law made ascene, and forbade my lending you any money. You must understand, mydear Prince, that my relations with Madame Desvarennes are important.I hold a great deal of money of hers in my bank. She first gave me astart. I cannot, without appearing ungrateful, act contrary to her will.Place yourself in my position, and judge impartially of the terriblealternative between obliging you and displeasing my benefactress."
"Don't cry; it is useless," said Serge, with a scornful laugh. "Isympathize with your troubles. You side with the money-bags. It remainsto be seen whether you will gain by it."
"My dear Prince, I swear to you that I am in despair," cried Cayrol,annoyed at the turn the interview was taking. "Listen; be reasonable!I don't know what you have done to your mother-in-law, but she seems muchvexed with you. In your place I would rather make a few advances thanremain hostile toward Madame Desvarennes. That would mend matters, yousee. Flies are not to be caught with vinegar."
Serge looked contemptuously at Cayrol, and put on his hat with supremeinsolence.
"Pardon me, my dear fellow; as