“I tell you that within a fortnight I shall have employment.”
“When that day comes I’ll go for a walk with Schtrack.”
“Give me some money, Bertrand.”
“Money, monsieur?”
“Yes, Eugène is going to dine with me to-day; he’s the young man whose uncle is a banker. To-night I am going to call on the charmer whose cousin is to say a good word for me. There will be cards, no doubt, and if I have the look of being hard up and of being afraid to lose a few francs, people won’t condescend to look at me.”
“Ah, yes, I understand; you want money, so that you can sow.”
“Yes, my friend.”
After filling his purse, Auguste went to meet the friend with whom he had an appointment, and whom he was to entertain at dinner, together with several others who might possibly be useful to him. Dalville took his guests to one of the very best restaurants; he would have felt ashamed to dine at a place where they would have been as comfortable and as well served at less expense, but which was not so highly considered in fashionable society. During dinner they thought of nothing but laughing and joking, and Auguste was very careful not to mention his desire for employment; that would have seemed to indicate that he was in straitened circumstances, which would produce an ill effect. Not until the dessert, while they were drinking their champagne, did Eugène say to Auguste:
“Are you still wanting something to do?”
“Why, yes; I am tired to death of idleness; I am sick of a life of pleasure.”