“Monsieur,” replied a little man in black, “the owner of the house, of which you don’t pay the rent.” “You ought to have warned me.” “Summonses have been sent to you.” “I did not read them.” “That isn’t my fault.” “I don’t know the forms of procedure.” “What! monsieur is joking--a business agent!” “I am not one now.” “That doesn’t concern us.” Edouard left the officers of the law and went up to his office; the clerk was not there. He examined his papers, but he had no knowledge whatever of his business. He tossed the boxes angrily into the middle of the room. He went downstairs and called his servants; they had gone. The concierge alone remained, and he answered Edouard insolently, because he saw that he was ruined. 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.” “I do whatever you tell me.” “Oh, no! you still have a false delicacy, which does you harm, and which you must get rid of. But come to a restaurant; let us drink some champagne and madeira, and snap our fingers at whatever may happen.” Edouard allowed himself to be led away; he abandoned himself like a blind man to Dufresne’s advice; he followed the torrent which drew him on; and those people who had seen him at the time of his marriage had difficulty in recognizing him, so great a change had been wrought in him by debauchery and gambling.