And, as he hesitated:
"What is the matter with you? You frighten me!"
He told her the story about the renewals. She hung down her head, and said:
"I thought so!"
In fact, Arnoux, in order to make a good speculation, had refused to sell his grounds, had borrowed money extensively on them, and finding no purchasers, had thought of rehabilitating himself by establishing the earthenware manufactory. The expense of this had exceeded his calculations. She knew nothing more about it. He evaded all her questions, and declared repeatedly that it was going on very well.
Frederick tried to reassure her. These in all probability were mere temporary embarrassments. However, if he got any information, he would impart it to her.
"Oh! yes, will you not?" said she, clasping her two hands with an air of charming supplication.
So then, he had it in his power to be useful to her. He was now entering into her existence—finding a place in her heart.
Arnoux appeared.
"Ha! how nice of you to come to take me out to dine!"