"But, monsieur," rejoined Fanny, "be good enough to tell me why you called me faithless when you saw me pass?" "Oh! mon Dieu! my dear madame, it's very easy to understand. I had dined with poor Gustave at the restaurant where you gave your wedding party. During the whole meal, the dear fellow was in such utter despair that it was painful to see him. He didn't eat, he didn't drink; I was compelled to dine for two, and to hold on to him every minute to keep him from seeking you out in the midst of your party." "Really! Poor fellow! was he so broken up as that?" "In the evening, he spoke to your sister and made her promise that, when you came back for the ball, she would arrange it so that he could have an interview with you." "My sister never told me a word of all this. That Adolphine's a strange creature!" "On the contrary, it seems that she sent word to Gustave's uncle, to come to take him away." "What business was it of hers?" "The uncle came and compelled his nephew to go with him; I was left alone. I had drunk quite a lot of punch; I had looked in at a wedding party on the floor above yours. As I came from that party, heated by dancing, and still thinking of my disconsolate friend, I caught sight of you, and I let slip that remark; which I retract to-day, and offer a thousand apologies for making it." "You are freely forgiven. So Gustave had nothing to do with the duel?" "He knew absolutely nothing about it until he returned from Spain." "Do you know where he is now?" "Alas, no! In Prussia, I believe. I have been several times to ask; but he has an uncle who is the most disagreeable man you can imagine! If he weren't so closely connected with my friend, I would have run him through before this. Still, Gustave must return some time; I am on the watch for him." "When you hear anything about him, it will be very kind of you to let me know. This is my new address." "Be sure, madame, that I shall be only too happy to prove my zeal." "Adieu, Monsieur Cherami!" "Madame, accept my most respectful homage.--I don't know whether she is sincerely fond of Gustave," thought Cherami, as the charming widow left him, "but it is certain that she is burning to see him again." XLII ORESTES AND PYLADES Fanny had been a widow more than six months, when, as Cherami was approaching Monsieur Grandcourt's abode one morning, he saw Gustave come out. He uttered a joyful exclamation, and hastened to throw his arms about the young traveller, crying: "_Tandem_! _denique_! here he is at last! this is good luck, indeed! Damnation! you've been away a long while, but we will hope that it's the last time." "Good-day, my dear Arthur!" said Gustave, as they shook hands. "Were you coming to see my uncle?"