When the door had closed on the Chevalier, Frederic's countenance became very grave. Drawing his chair near to Alain, he said: "We have not seen much of each other lately,--nay, no excuses; I am well aware that it could scarcely be otherwise. Paris has grown so large and so subdivided into sets, that the best friends belonging to different sets become as divided as if the Atlantic flowed between them. I come to-day in consequence of something I have just heard from Duplessis. Tell me, have you got the money for the wood you sold to M. Collot a year ago?" "No," said Alain, falteringly. "Good heavens! none of it?" "Only the deposit of ten per cent., which of course I spent, for it formed the greater part of my income. What of Collot? Is he really unsafe?" "He is ruined, and has fled the country. His flight was the talk of the Bourse this morning. Duplessis told me of it." Alain's face paled. "How is Louvier to be paid? Read that letter!" Lemercier rapidly scanned his eye over the contents of Louvier's letter. "It is true, then, that you owe this man a year's interest--more than 7,000 louis?" "Somewhat more--yes. But that is not the first care that troubles me --Rochebriant may be lost, but with it not my honour. I owe the Russian Prince 300 louis, lost to him last night at _ecarte_. I must find a purchaser for my coupe and horses; they cost me 600 louis last year,--do you know any one who will give me three?" "Pooh! I will give you six; your _alezan_ alone is worth half the money!" "My dear Frederic, I will not sell them to you on any account. But you have so many friends--" "Who would give their soul to say, 'I bought these horses of Rochebriant.' Of course I do. Ha! young Rameau, you are acquainted with him?" "Rameau! I never heard of him!" "Vanity of vanities, then what is fame? Rameau is the editor of Le Sens Commun. You read that journal?" "Yes, it has clever articles, and I remember how I was absorbed in the eloquent _romance_ which appeared in it." "Ah! by the Signora Cicogna, with whom I think you were somewhat smitten last year." "Last year--was I? How a year can alter a man! But my debt to the Prince. What has Le Sens Commun to do with my horses?" "I met Rameau at Savarin's the other evening. He was making himself out a hero and a martyr! his coupe had been taken from him to assist in a barricade in that senseless _emeute_ ten days ago; the _coupe_ got smashed, the horses disappeared. He will buy one of your horses and _coupe_. "Leave it to me! I know where to dispose of the other two horses. At what hour do you want the money?" "Before I go to dinner at the club." "You shall have it within two hours; but you must not dine at the club to-day. I have a note from Duplessis to invite you to dine with him to-day!" "Duplessis! I know so little of him!"