"If I understand rightly, then, the Count of Monte-Cristo intends searching the Sahara for Captain Joliette?"
"Yes, that is the case, and I accompany him. For such an expedition courage is the first requirement, and, as I do not lack any, the count has selected me. Now, you know all and wherefore I came; I did not wish to vex you, and now I depart again. Adieu, Madame Caraman!"
The Zouave swung his cap and turned round ready to depart. The lady looked at him with mingled feelings; she was a kind-hearted soul and the brave Zouave amused her. She never had a son, but she thought, if God had presented her with one, he ought to have resembled the Jackal. That he came to bid her good-by, moved her, and she said in a half-audible voice:
"Monsieur Zouave!"
Coucou remained standing.
"Come this way! Are you, perhaps, afraid of me? On previous occasions you were less timid."
Coucou's hesitating steps justified this suspicion, and Madame Caraman continued, smilingly:
"I shall not hurt you; there, put your hand into mine—" Coucou blushed like a girl.
"What? I should be allowed to put my ugly paw into your hand!" he stuttered quite confounded, and then he perceived that he had been again rude and tried to excuse himself.
"I spoke of my ugly paw—I—"