"I will explain more clearly, monsieur. But we are almost at the Champs Élysées. If agreeable to you, suppose we have a little chat together as we walk along."
"Certainly, if you prefer that."
And M. de Luceval, who manifested the same energy in his walk that he did in everything else, began to stride along, accompanied, or rather followed, by M. d'Infreville, who found it extremely difficult to keep up with his more agile companion. Nevertheless, continuing the conversation, he said, in a rather panting fashion:
"Just now, monsieur, when I had the honour to tell you my name, and to add that it was probably not unknown to you, you replied that we had mutual friends, and I—But pardon me, I have a favour to ask of you, monsieur," said M. d'Infreville, entirely out of breath now.
"What is it, monsieur?"
"I must ask you to walk a little more slowly. My lungs are not very strong, and I get out of breath very quickly, as you see."
"On the contrary, monsieur, it is I who should beg you to excuse me for walking so fast. It is a bad habit of which I find it very difficult to break myself; besides, if you prefer it, we can sit down. Here are some chairs."
"I accept the proposition with pleasure, monsieur," said M. d'Infreville, sinking into a chair, "with very great pleasure."
The two gentlemen having established themselves comfortably, M. d'Infreville remarked:
"Permit me to say, monsieur, that you must also have heard of me through some other intermediary than mutual friends."