CHAPTER 17Whereupon Rodin, apparently already prepared to put his projectsinto execution, is obliged, in order to proceed to the next stage,to relax his grip for a moment; I seize my opportunity andextricating myself from his clutches, "Monsieur," I say, "I beg youto be well persuaded that there is nothing in the entire worldwhich could engage me to consent to the horrors you seem to wish tocommit. My gratitude is due to you, indeed it is, but I will notpay my debt in a criminal coin. Needless to say, I am poor and mostunfortunate; but no matter; here is the small sum of money Ipossess," I continue, producing my meager purse, "take what youesteem just and allow me to leave this house, I beg of you, as soonas I am in a fitting state to go." Rodin, confounded by theopposition he little expec
