“First of all,” I said, “we must both from head to heel get a complete outfit of new clothes. We’ll each take a hundred francs and spend the afternoon buying things. Then I’ll get our stuff out of pawn. Then as soon as we get things straight we’ll find a new apartment.”
Suddenly she stopped me. “Mon Dieu! Where you get the clothes?”
“Oh, I quite forgot. They’re Helstern’s. I’ll just run round to his place to return them. He might want to go out. Here, give me one of those bits of paper and I’ll pay my debts.”
I found the sculptor in his underwear, philosophically smoking his Turk’s head pipe.
“Awfully obliged, old man, for the togs. I never could have ventured into that hotel in my old ones. Well, here’s the money you lent me, and a thousand thanks.”
“Sure you can spare it?”
“Yes, and another if you want it. Why, man, I’m a little Crœsus. I’m simply reeking with the stuff. I feel as if I could buy up the Bank of France. Just touched a thou’, and more coming up.”
“Well, I’m awfully glad for your sake. I’m glad to get this money, too. D’ye know what I’m going to do with it? I’m going to hire a nurse for Solonge. It will relieve the tension somewhat. What with watching and anxiety, we’re all worn out. And, Madden, excuse me mentioning it, but that little woman of yours wants looking after. She’s not overstrong, in any case, and she’s been working herself to death. I don’t know what we would have done without her down there, but there were times when I was on the point of sending her home.”
“All right. Thanks for telling me. I say, as far as the Môme is concerned. I’d like to do something. Let’s give you another hundred.”
“No, no, I don’t think it’s necessary in the meantime. If I want more I’ll call on you. You’re off? Well, good-bye just now.”