To these words, which were uttered in a tone of the most bitter reproach, the young man made no reply, but clasped his icily cold hands against his forehead, as though in utter despair.
“Yes, that is a true picture of our position,” resumed Rose coldly, her accents growing more and more contemptuous. “And I tell you that something must be done at once, some means discovered, I care not what, to relieve us from our present miserable state.”
Paul tore off his overcoat, and held it toward her.
“Take it, and pawn it,” exclaimed he; but the girl made no move.
“Is that all that you have to propose?” asked she, in the same glacial tone.
“They will lend you three francs upon it, and with that we can get bread and fuel.”
“And after that is gone?”
“After that—oh, we will think of our next step, and shall have time to hit upon some plan. Time, a little time, is all that I require, Rose, to break asunder the bonds which seem to fetter me. Some day success must crown my efforts; and with success, Rose, dear, will come affluence, but in the meantime we must learn to wait.”
“And where are the means to enable us to wait?”
“No matter; they will come. Only do what I tell you, and who can say what to-morrow——”