Le collier de la reine. English
Page 59
CHAPTER LVII.
DEBTOR AND CREDITOR.
"Now that we have renewed our acquaintance, let us converse," saidCagliostro.
"Yes," replied the cardinal, "about the money you wrote of; it was apretext, was it not?"
"No, monsieur, a serious matter, as it concerns a sum of 500,000francs."
"The sum which you lent me?" cried the cardinal, growing pale.
"Yes, monseigneur; I love to see so good a memory in a great prince likeyou."
The cardinal felt overwhelmed by the blow. At last, trying to smile, hesaid:
"I thought that Joseph Balsamo had carried his debt with him to thetomb, as he threw the receipt into the fire."
"Monseigneur," replied the count, "the life of Joseph Balsamo is asindestructible as the sheet on which you wrote. Death cannot conquer theelixir of life; fire is powerless against asbestos."
"I do not understand," said the cardinal.
"You soon will," replied Cagliostro, producing a folded paper, which heoffered to the prince.
He, before opening it, cried, "My receipt!"
"Yes, monseigneur, your receipt."
"But I saw you burn it."
"True, I threw it on the fire, but by accident you had written on apiece of asbestos, so that the receipt remained uninjured among thecinders."
"Monsieur," said the cardinal, haughtily, for he thought this a proofthat he had been suspected, "believe me, I should not have denied mydebt, even without this paper; therefore you were wrong to deceive me."
"I deceived you?"
"Yes; you made me think the paper was destroyed."
"To leave you the calm enjoyment of 500,000 francs."
"But, sir, why have you left such a sum for ten years unclaimed?"
"I knew, monseigneur, that it was safe. Various events have deprived meof my wealth; but, knowing that I had this sum in reserve, I have waitedpatiently until the last moment."
"And has that arrived?"
"Alas! yes, monseigneur."
"So that you can really wait no longer?"
"No, monseigneur."
"You want it at once?"
"If it please you to pay it."
The cardinal was at first silent, through despair. Then he said, in ahoarse voice:
"M. le Comte, we unhappy princes of the earth do not improvise fortunesas quickly as you enchanters."
"Oh, monseigneur," said Cagliostro, "I would not have asked you for thissum, had I not known beforehand that you had it."
"I have 500,000 francs?"
"30,000 in gold, 11,000 in silver, and the rest in notes, which are inthis buhl cabinet."
The cardinal turned white. "You knew this?"
"Yes, monseigneur, and I know you have made great sacrifices to obtainit. I have heard that you will pay heavily for it."
"Oh, it is too true!"
"But, monseigneur, during these ten years I have often been in want andembarrassment, yet I have kept this paper back, so as not to troubleyou; therefore I do not think you can complain."
"Complain! oh, no, sir; when you graciously lent me such a sum, I mustever remain your debtor. But during those ten years there were twentyoccasions when I could have repaid you with ease, while to-day therestitution you demand embarrasses me dreadfully. You, who knoweverything, who read even hearts, and penetrate the doors of cabinets,doubtless, know also the purpose for which this money was destined."
"You are wrong, monseigneur," said Cagliostro, coldly. "My knowledge hasbrought me so much misery and disappointment, that I no longer seek topenetrate the secrets of others. It concerned me to know whether you hadthis money, as I wished to claim it; but once having ascertained that, Idid not trouble myself to think for what purpose it was destined.Besides, did I know it, it might seem so grave a matter as almost toforce me to waive my claim, which really at present I cannot afford todo. Therefore, I prefer to be ignorant."
"Oh, monsieur," cried the cardinal, "do not think I wish to parade myembarrassments in order to elude my debt! You have your own interests tolook to; they are guaranteed by this paper, which bears mysignature--that is enough. You shall have your money, although I do notthink there was any promise to pay."
"Your eminence is mistaken;" and opening the paper he read these words:
"I acknowledge the receipt of 500,000 francs from M. Joseph Balsamo, which I will repay on demand.
"LOUIS DE ROHAN."
"You see, monseigneur, that I only ask my right; besides, as this was aspontaneous loan by me to a man I hardly knew, the payment might havebeen equally spontaneous, without waiting for me to claim it. But youdid not think so. Well, monseigneur, I withdraw this paper, and bid youadieu."
"No, count," replied the cardinal; "a Rohan must not receive lessons ingenerosity; besides, this is a mere question of honesty. Give me thepaper, sir, and I will discharge my debt."
For a moment Cagliostro hesitated, for the pale face and distressed airof the cardinal inclined him to pity; but quickly hardening himself hehanded him the paper. M. de Rohan went to the cabinet, and took out themoney. "There," said he, "are your 500,000 francs; and I owe you 250,000more for interest, which you shall have if you will give me time."
"Monseigneur," said Cagliostro, "I lent 500,000 francs to M. de Rohan,which he has paid me; he therefore owes me nothing more. I will take thenotes with me, and send for the money. I thank you for your compliancewith my request." Then, bowing, he left the room.
"Well," sighed M. de Rohan, "it is likely, at least, that the queen hasthe money, and no Joseph Balsamo will come and take it from her."