"'Tis an unaccountable disaster. I have, however, given him a mortgage, which ought to keep him quiet. But he threatens me with a writ if it is not paid this afternoon promptly."
"And what next?"
"Oh! the next step is simple enough; he will take possession of my real estate. Once the thing is publicly announced, it means ruin to me—that's all! Ah! if I could find anyone to advance me this cursed sum, he might take Vanneroy's place, and I should be saved! You don't chance to have it yourself?"
The cheque had remained on the night-table near a book. Frederick took up a volume, and placed it on the cheque, while he replied:
"Good heavens, my dear friend, no!"
But it was painful to him to say "no" to Arnoux.
"What, don't you know anyone who would——?"
"Nobody! and to think that in eight days I should be getting in money! There is owing to me probably fifty thousand francs at the end of the month!"
"Couldn't you ask some of the persons that owe you money to make you an advance?"
"Ah! well, so I did!"