He began to think that it was a matter of ordinary courtesy to offer a glass of wine and a slice of ham to the witnesses while awaiting dinner.

Also, there might be unforeseen expenses.

So, after taking Claude and Etienne to stay with Madame Boche, who was to bring them to the dinner later that afternoon, he hurried over to the Rue de la Goutte-d'Or to borrow ten francs from Lorilleux.

Having to do that griped him immensely as he could guess the attitude his brother-in-law would take.

The latter did grumble a bit, but ended by lending him two five-franc pieces.