"But have you any bills or promissory notes?"
"Not one!"
"What is to be done?" said Frederick.
"That's what I'm asking myself," said Arnoux. "'Tisn't for myself, my God! but for my children and my poor wife!"
Then, letting each phrase fall from his lips in a broken fashion:
"In fact—I could rough it—I could pack off all I have—and go and seek my fortune—I don't know where!"
"Impossible!" exclaimed Frederick.
Arnoux replied with an air of calmness:
"How do you think I could live in Paris now?"
There was a long silence. Frederick broke it by saying: