"I should rather see you go to the little widow's than to her father's."
"Why so?"
"Why, indeed! That's the sequel of the idea I spoke about just now. However, do as you think best; the main point is that you have come in time, and that you should stay in Paris; because I am horribly bored while you are away. On my word, I seem to miss something."
"Dear Arthur! I am really touched by the interest you take in everything that concerns me.—And yourself, my friend—are you happy, are you doing well in business?"
"I can't do badly, because I do no business at all. I am content—because I am a philosopher! I am happy—when I have my cue; but I haven't had it for some time."
"I'll bet that you have no money."
"You would win very often if you made that bet."
"And you didn't say a word about it! Am I no longer your friend?"
"My dear Gustave, you overwhelm me;—but I owe you something now, and——"
"What does that matter? Do friends keep accounts with one another? Isn't he who can oblige the other the happier?"