In fact, as I spoke the door opened, and Lucien appeared.
“I trust you will excuse me,” he said; “but it seems to me that I have been somewhat rude this evening, and I did not like to retire without making my excuses to you. So I have come to make the amende honorable—and as I daresay you have a number of questions to ask I am quite at your disposal.”
“A thousand thanks,” I replied; “but, thanks to your good nature, I am already well informed upon most topics concerning which I desired information, and there only remains one question, which I have made up my mind not to ask.”
“Why?”
“Because it would appear too impertinent. However, if you remain here I confess I cannot answer for myself. I give you fair warning!”
“Well, then, go on. Curiosity unsatisfied is an uncomfortable companion, and awakens all kinds of suppositions; and two, at least, out of every three guesses concerning a fact are sure to be quite wide of the mark, and more likely to prejudice the object than to arrive at the truth concerning it.”
“Well, you may rest easy. My worst suspicions concerning you lead me to regard you as a sorcerer!”
The young man laughed loudly.
“The devil! You have inoculated me with some of your curiosity: tell me why, I entreat you—speak out!”