"Those Englishmen s-sometimes t-t-talk sense," said Grandet. "So,
ac-c-cording to Ben-Bentham, if my b-b-brother's n-notes are worth
n-n-nothing; if Je-Je--I'm c-c-correct, am I not? That seems c-c-clear
to my m-m-mind--the c-c-creditors would be--No, would not be; I
understand."
"Let me explain it all," said the president. "Legally, if you acquire
a title to all the debts of the Maison Grandet, your brother or his
heirs will owe nothing to any one. Very good."
"Very g-good," repeated Grandet.
"In equity, if your brother's notes are negotiated--negotiated, do you
clearly understand the term?--negotiated in the market at a reduction
of so much per cent in value, and if one of your friends happening to
be present should buy them in, the creditors having sold them of their
own free-will without constraint, the estate of the late Grandet is
honorably released."
"That's t-true; b-b-business is b-business," said the cooper.
"B-b-but, st-still, you know, it is d-d-difficult. I h-have n-no
m-m-money and n-no t-t-time."
"Yes, but you need not undertake it. I am quite ready to go to Paris
(you may pay my expenses, they will only be a trifle). I will see the
creditors and talk with them and get an extension of time, and
everything can be arranged if you will add something to the assets so
as to buy up all title to the debts."
"We-we'll see about th-that. I c-c-can't and I w-w-won't bind myself
without--He who c-c-can't, can't; don't you see?"
"That's very true.
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