"We shall be there in five minutes."
"In that case, monsieur, let us go. We will let my cabriolet follow us."
"That's right; and as we must avoid making a noise and attracting attention, we will fight with swords, if you choose."
"With pleasure, monsieur."
Monléard and Cherami went down the stairs together. Madame Louchard, who was standing at the hall-door, was very much puzzled when she saw her tenant leave the house with the fashionably dressed owner of the cabriolet; but she dared not ask him a question. Instead of turning toward the main street of Belleville, the two men took a street which ran behind the theatre of that suburb.
Walking side by side with the individual with whom he was to fight, Monléard, more and more amazed by his adversary's courteous manners and by his use of language which denoted familiarity with good society, said to him after a while:
"We are going to fight a duel, monsieur; that is a settled thing, which neither you nor I, I am sure, have any intention of avoiding."
"I agree with you, monsieur."
"But, before the duel takes place, will you not do me the favor to tell me where you knew the lady whom I have married, and how long you have known her?"
"It will give me very great pleasure to answer you. I have not the slightest acquaintance with your wife, and I never saw her until yesterday. First, when she alighted from her carriage at Deffieux's restaurant; and again, when you were taking her away last night, and I met you."