'How much do you owe him?' said Luisa thoughtfully.
'Five hundred francs ... it was more. I paid part of it.'
'Was it a gambling debt?' she asked coldly.
'Yes, it was.'
'What was he saying about honour?'
'He gave us credit. If he is not paid, Government will have him put in prison.'
'Has he children?'
'Yes, he has.'
She went out of the room. The two men looked sadly at each other, and the girl gazed at them both with her kindly, encouraging eyes. After a little Luisa came back looking rather pale.
'This is our last hundred-franc note,' she said, in her pleasant voice. 'There is only a little small change left for ourselves; but the Lord will provide.'