“Very good, I will hire a house. If it isn’t furnished, I will send some furniture. Give me some money; I shall want quite a great deal.” Chérubin ran to his desk, took out some bank-notes, and handed them to Daréna, saying: “Here, here are two thousand, three thousand francs--is that enough?” “Yes; but you may as well give me four thousand at once; I must not fall short. Now, let me manage the affair. I will make sure of a house, first of all, and have it arranged to receive your inamorata; then I will watch for a favorable opportunity; as soon as it comes, I will abduct the lady, then I will come here and tell you. All that you will have to do will be to pluck the fruit of the victory, and that will not be an unpleasant task.” “It is delightful!” “But, above all, not a word of this to Monfréville, or I will have nothing more to do with it.” “Never fear, that is understood.” “When your charmer has escaped from her tyrant’s hands, I will take care to order a dainty repast sent to your little retreat. It is always essential that a lady should find something to eat when she arrives.” “Yes, my friend, order a supper. But no plums, I beg! No plums! I have a horror of them!” Daréna stared at Chérubin in amazement as he replied: “Never fear. I was not aware of your aversion for plums; they are said to be very healthful.” “If I see any on the table, I shall run off at once.” “All right--don’t get excited. I will see that none are served.” And the count left his young friend, after pocketing the bank-notes. “Well,” said Chérubin, “this conquest shall not escape me, and it will make up to me for all that I have lost.” XXIII A FAMILY INTERIOR As Ernestine had announced to Louise, Madame de Noirmont returned home on the day that she was expected. Her arrival was a festal occasion for Ernestine, who flew to meet her mother the instant that she caught sight of her, and threw herself into her arms. Madame de Noirmont responded lovingly to her daughter’s caresses; it was easy to see that she was touched by them, and that she was genuinely happy to be at home once more. Monsieur de Noirmont did not rush to meet his wife; such tokens of affection were not in accordance with his nature; he feared that, by indulging in them, he should compromise his dignity. However, when he learned that she had returned, he went to her room and greeted her pleasantly, but did not kiss her. “Did you have a pleasant journey, madame?” “Yes, thanks, monsieur.” “And how is your aunt, Madame Dufrénil?” “She is much better, monsieur; her health is entirely restored. But it was time for me to return, or I should have been really ill with ennui, from being away from my daughter so long. I was very sorry that you did not allow me to take her with me, monsieur.” “The result of that, madame, is that you have the greater pleasure in seeing her again, and I trust that it will make you love her dearly.”