"There he is! That's the man! He didn't see me, but I recognized him."
"Who is he?"
"The man I thrashed so soundly for taking liberties with Mignonne."
I looked at the person whom Ballangier pointed out to me; his figure impressed me, it reminded me of someone. I ran back and overtook him, then turned about and faced him. I was not mistaken: it was Monsieur Dauberny.
I do not know whether he recognized me. He must have been surprised by the way I stared at him; but he simply frowned and went his way, quickening his pace. I let him go, and returned to Ballangier, who had stopped and was waiting for me a few steps away.
"Well, Charles, you wanted to see that man; you succeeded, didn't you?"
"Yes, and I recognized him perfectly."
"Recognized? The deuce! do you know the old reprobate?"
"Ah! if he were no worse than that! But he's an infernal villain! You did well, I assure you, to deliver Mignonne from his persecutions. Poor girl! If you knew of what that man is capable!"
"Really?"