Page:Novels of Honoré de Balzac Volume 23.djvu/199

 sum of eighty thousand francs. The doctor still had eight hundred thousand francs left, which his notary made him invest in Treasury bonds, in order not to lose too much interest. He was keeping twenty thousand francs in bank-notes for Savinien. The doctor went himself to secure his freedom on Saturday at two o’clock, and the young viscount, already informed by a letter from his mother, thanked his deliverer with sincere earnestness of heart.

“You must not delay in going to see your mother,” said old Minoret.

Savinien in some confusion replied that he had contracted a debt of honor in prison, and related the visit of his friends.

“I thought you might have some privileged debt,” cried the doctor, smiling, “your mother borrows one hundred thousand francs from me, but I have only paid ninety thousand; here is the remainder, be careful of it, monsieur, and consider what you keep of it as your stake on the green baize of Fortune.”

During the last eight days, Savinien had been reflecting upon the present time. The competition in everything exacts great labor from the man who seeks a fortune. Unlawful means demand more talent and underhand dealings than an open quest. Worldly successes, far from giving any position, devour time and require an enormous amount of money. The name of Portenduère, which his mother had told him was all-powerful, was nothing in Paris. His cousin, the deputy, the Comte de