"Very well," he answered, "I will go there immediately."
So saying, instead of turning to the right to enter the part of the house which he occupied, he went towards the great staircase situated at the bottom of the court, and which led to the apartment of M. Dubois.
"Is it not strange," murmured he, mounting the staircase, "that this nuisance of a man, of whom I never know how to speak, should just want me at the very moment when I desire to be alone?"
M. Dubois waited for him in a large room rather richly furnished, in which he was pacing up and down, his head lowered and his arms crossed behind his back, like a man occupied with serious reflections.
As soon as he perceived the young man, he advanced rapidly towards him.
"Oh, you have come!" cried he. "For two hours I have been waiting for you. What has become of you?"
"I! Why, I have been walking. What would you have me do? Life is so short!"
"Always the same!" pursued the duke, laughing.
"I shall take good care not to change; I am too happy as I am."
"Sit down, we have to talk seriously."