CHAPTER VI
THE PORTRAIT
The three friends stared at the three watches, the six handkerchiefs, the four pocket-books, and the eighteen purses in a blank and silent consternation.
There was indeed nothing to be said.
A dreadful despair rested on the face of Theophrastus; but he was the first to break the heavy silence.
"My pockets are quite empty," he said.
"Oh, Theophrastus—Theophrastus!" moaned Marceline reproachfully.
"My poor friend," said Adolphe; and he groaned.
Theophrastus wiped away the cold sweat from his brow with a handkerchief of which he did not know the owner.
"I see what it is," he said in a despairing tone. "I 've had my Black Feather."
Marceline and Adolphe said nothing; they were utterly overwhelmed.
