When Godefroid reached the banking house and gave his name, he saw at once the estimation in which his father had been held; for he was ushered through the offices without delay to the private counting-room of the Mongenods.This counting-room was closed with a glass door, so that Godefroid, without any desire to listen, overheard as he approached it what was being said there.
"Madame, your account is balanced to sixteen hundred thousand francs,"said the younger Mongenod."I do not know what my brother's intentions are; he alone can say whether an advance of a hundred thousand francs can be made.You must have been imprudent.Sixteen hundred thousand francs should not be entrusted to any business.""Do not speak so loud, Louis!" said a woman's voice."Your brother has often told you to speak in a low voice.There may be some one in the next room."At this moment Frederic Mongenod himself opened the door of communication between his private house and the counting-room.He saw Godefroid and crossed the room, bowing respectfully to the lady who was conversing with his brother.
"To whom have I the honor of speaking?" he said to Godefroid.