‘You are well placed here,’ I said, making for the window. There was an overpowering smell of brandy in the room, that made one feel quite sick this fine summer morning. ‘You have a splendid view.’
‘Well enough for that,’ growled Houlot. ‘But what is the good of a view to a hungry man?’
I noticed now that he looked haggard and starved, and that there was an unhealthy fiery flush upon his face and a wild look in his eyes, as if he had been drinking without eating for a good while.
‘You need not go hungry unless you like,’ I said. ‘I can’t lend you all the money you ask for; but anything you want for daily needs I will let you have till you get your remittances from England.’
‘I have no remittances coming from England,’ said Houlot. ‘I have given up writing for the rascal who filched my work. But if you will only let me have that five-pound note we will put matters on a different footing. Let me shew up Collingwood Dawson!’
‘Yes, that’s all very well; but what will you gain by it?’
‘I shall vindicate my own name.’
‘What! the name of Houlot?’
He winced, but retorted angrily: ‘What business is it of yours what name?’