CHAPTER XXIH

DURING December Kahn was absent fora fortnight,
his shop being left in charge of the youth who
had offered balloons on the day of the opening. Where
had he gone to now, the great man? Here, there, and
everywhere, that Anatole Kahn! And he knew how
to keep his own counsel when he chose; however,
later on they might hear all about it.
When he returned Kahn was closeted with Hermitte
for quite a long time, and they shouting and scolding
just as though they were not now the dearest of friends
since Kahn had helped Hermitte to sell his land —
incidentally, for less than half its value:
Treposterous, disgusting, you would actually rob
me! How can I pay the high price Beauvais paid
you? Am I wearing silk shirts? Am I keeping a
whore? Am I thinking of building a white marble
palace?3 And Kahn chewed the end of his fat cigar,
then spat, so immense was his indignation. 'Who found
you a buyer?5 he went on still more loudly, 'Who
helped you to empty that simpleton's pockets? Who
told him that if he bought that land he bought vines?
Sacre Norn, and your vineyard for years has been
sterile! Who told him that he was getting a bargain;
who lied — yes, I ask you, who lied out of friendship?
I, Anatole Kahn. And what is the result? You prove
grossly ungrateful and endeavour to rob me!5
Hermitte swallowed and blinked and made swift
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