But it is an epidemic!" exclaimed Rodolphe.
"But why do you want money ?" "That is my story," replied Rodolphe, "I have at five this evening an appointment with a lady, a very well bred lady who never goes out save in an omnibus.

I wish to unite my fortunes with hers for a few days, and it appears to me the right thing to enable her to take the pleasures of this life.

For dinner, dances, &c., &c., I must have five francs, and if I do not find them French literature is dishonoured in my person." "Why don't you borrow the sum of the lady herself ?" exclaimed the critic.
"The first time of meeting, it is hardly possible.

Only you can get me out of this fix." "By all the mummies of Egypt I give you my word of honor that I have not enough to buy a sou pipe.

However, I have some books that you can sell." "Impossible today, Mother Mansut's, Lebigre's, and all the shops on the quays and in the Rue Saint Jacques are closed.