As we were leaving the house we met the two eldest sisters, who came home looking very sad. I was struck by their beauty, and extremely surprised to hear myself greeted by one of them, who said,—
“It is M. the Chevalier de Seingalt.”
“Himself, mademoiselle, and sorely grieved at your misfortune.”
“Be kind enough to come in again for a moment.”
“I am sorry to say that I have an important engagement.”
“I will not keep you for longer than a quarter of an hour.”
I could not refuse so small a favour, and she employed the time in telling me how unfortunate they had been in Hanover, how they had come to London to obtain compensation, of their failure, their debts, the cruelty of the landlord, their mother’s illness, the prison that awaited her, the likelihood of their being cast into the street, and the cruelty of all their acquaintances.
“We have nothing to sell, and all our resources consist of two shillings, which we shall have to spend on bread, on which we live.”