francs we owe here; and told me plainly that if within three days we did
not settle our account, she would turn us out; and I know enough of her
to be sure that she will keep her word. The detestable old hag would do
anything for the pleasure of seeing me on the streets."

"Alone and friendless in the world," muttered Paul, paying but little
attention to the young girl's words, "without a creature or a relative
to care for you, or to lend you a helping hand."

"We have not a copper in the world," continued Rose with cruel
persistency; "I have sold everything that I had, to preserve the rags
that I am wearing. Not a scrap of wood remains, and we have not tasted
food since yesterday morning."

To these words, which were uttered in a tone of the most bitter
reproach, the young man made no reply, but clasped his icily cold hands
against his forehead, as though in utter despair.

"Yes, that is a true picture of our position," resumed Rose coldly,
her accents growing more and more contemptuous. "And I tell you that
something must be done at once, some means discovered, I care not what,
to relieve us from our present miserable state."

Paul tore off his overcoat, and held it toward her.

"Take it, and pawn it," exclaimed he; but the girl made no move.

"Is that all that you have to propose?" asked she, in the same glacial
tone.