"La Voix will obtain a magnificent advertisement for its outlay, which is all that it desires," I argued; "the boom will be worth five thousand francs to La Voix, there is no question of swindling. Five thousand francs is a sum with which one might—"
"It can't be done," she persisted.
"To a man in my position," I said, "five thousand francs—"
"It is impossible for another reason! As I told you, I am at the end of my resources. I rose this morning, praying that I should be identified. My landlady has turned me out, and I have no more than the price of one meal to go on with."
"You goose!" I laughed. "And if I were going to net five thousand francs by your tip three weeks hence, don't you suppose it would be good enough for me to pay your expenses in the meanwhile?"
She was silent again. I understood that her conscience was a more formidable drawback than her penury.
Monsieur, I said that you had asked me for a humiliating story—that I had poignant memories connected with La Voix. Here is one of them: I set myself to override her scruples—to render this girl false to her employers.
Many men might have done so without remorse. But not a man like me; I am naturally high-minded, of the most sensitive honour. Even when I conquered at last, I could not triumph. Far from it. I blamed the force of circumstances furiously for compelling me to sacrifice my principles to my purse. I am no adventurer, hein?
Enfin, the problem now was, where was I to hide her? Her portmanteau she had deposited at a railway station. Should we have it removed to another bedroom, or to a pension de famille? Both plans were open to objections—a bedroom would necessitate her still challenging discovery in restaurants; and at a pension de famille she would run risks on the premises. A pretty kettle of fish if someone spotted her while I was holding for the rise!
We debated the point exhaustively. And, having yielded, she displayed keen intelligence in arranging for the best. Finally she declared: