And he repeated, “Is it the rich man’s fault?” with a Ciceronian irony which smacked of the law-courts.
Frederick tried to speak.
“However, I understand one has certain wants—aristocratic wants; for, no doubt, some woman——”
“Well, even if that were so? Am I not free——?”
“Oh! quite free!”
And, after a minute’s silence:
“Promises are so convenient!”
“Good God! I don’t deny that I gave them!” said Frederick.
The advocate went on:
“At college we take oaths; we are going to set up a phalanx; we are going to imitate Balzac’s Thirteen. Then, on meeting a friend after a separation: ‘Good night, old fellow! Go about your business!’ For he who might help the other carefully keeps everything for himself alone.”
“How is that?”
“Yes, you have not even introduced me to the Dambreuses.”
Frede
