Murville left his home and walked slowly toward the Palais-Royal, having no idea what course to pursue, or how to rid himself of the bailiffs. He waited for Dufresne, in order to consult him; he arrived at last; he seemed content, and announced that he had obtained some money. Edouard revived at that news, and told Dufresne what was taking place at his house.
“Faith,” said Dufresne, “if you take my advice, you will let them go ahead and sell a lot of furniture which is of no use to you now; you don’t need such an establishment, as you are living the life of a bachelor; it is sleeping property, and we turn it to some use.”
“But if my wife should return——”
“Bah! she prefers the country; and besides, don’t you know that in Paris, with plenty of money, one can find in an hour’s time, a house and furniture and servants?”
“That is true; but you advised me to live luxuriously.”
“We will hire some magnificently furnished lodgings.”
“But my reputation——”
“Never fear, it is making progress. Make your fortune and let the fools talk—that is the essential thing.”
“Yes, but I am very far from making my fortune!”
“Because you go about it in the wrong way.”