Much sought after and constantly solicited by the old lady, she would refuse or resign herself according to her needs, and on these increasingly frequent occasions when both ends would not meet in her royally conducted establishment, she was sure to find twenty-five louis awaiting her at the other's house.

She used to betake herself to the Tricon's with the ease born of use, just as the poor go to the pawnshop.
But as she left her own chamber Nana came suddenly upon Georges standing in the middle of the drawing room.

Not noticing his waxen pallor and the somber fire in his wide eyes, she gave a sigh of relief.
"Ah, you've come from your brother." "No," said the lad, growing yet paler.
At this she gave a despairing shrug.

What did he want?
Why was he barring her way?
She was in a hurry--yes, she was.

Then returning to where he stood: "You've no money, have you ?" "No." "That's true.