Vandeloup was annoyed at the meeting and cast a
rapid look around to see if he was observed. The few people,
however, passing were too intent on their own business to give more
than a passing glance at the dusty tramp and the young man in
evening dress talking to him, so Vandeloup was reassured.
'Well, my friend,' he said, sharply, to the dumb man, 'what do you
want?'
Pierre put his hand in his pocket.
'Oh, of course,' replied M. Vandeloup, mockingly, 'money, money,
always money; do you think I'm a bank, always to be drawn on like
this?'
The dumb man made no sign that he had heard, but stood sullenly
rocking himself to and fro an'd chewing a wisp of the grass he had
picked off his coat.
'Here,' said the young man, taking out a sovereign and giving it to
Pierre; 'take this just now and don't bother me, or upon my word,'
with a disdainful look, 'I shall positively have to hand you over to
the law.'
Pierre glanced up suddenly, and Vandeloup caught the gleam of his
eyes under the shadow of the hat.
'Oh! you think it will be dangerous for me,' he said, in a gay tone;
'not at all, I assure you. I am a gentleman, and rich; you are a
pauper, and disreputable. Who will believe your word against mine?
My faith! your assurance is quite refreshing. Now, go away, and
don't trouble me again, or,' with a sudden keen glance, 'I will do
as I say.
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