"Yes, it has clever articles, and I remember how I was absorbed in the eloquent romance which appeared in it."
"Ah! by the Signora Cicogna, with whom I think you were somewhat smitten last year."
"Last year—was I? How a year can alter a man! But my debt to the
Prince. What has Le Sens Commun to do with my horses?"
"I met Rameau at Savarin's the other evening. He was making himself out a hero and a martyr! his coupe had been taken from him to assist in a barricade in that senseless emeute ten days ago; the coupe got smashed, the horses disappeared. He will buy one of your horses and coupe.
"Leave it to me! I know where to dispose of the other two horses. At what hour do you want the money?"
"Before I go to dinner at the club."
"You shall have it within two hours; but you must not dine at the club to-day. I have a note from Duplessis to invite you to dine with him to-day!"
"Duplessis! I know so little of him!"
"You should know him better. He is the only man who can give you sound advice as to this difficulty with Louvier; and he will give it the more carefully and zealously because he has that enmity to Louvier which one rival financier has to another. I dine with him too. We shall find an occasion to consult him quietly; he speaks of you most kindly. What a lovely girl his daughter is!"
"I dare say. Ah! I wish I had been less absurdly fastidious. I wish I had entered the army as a private soldier six months ago; I should have been a corporal by this time! Still it is not too late. When Rochebriant is gone, I can yet say with the Mouszquetaire in the melodrame: 'I am rich—I have my honour and my sword!'"