"Ah! Fanny, it's wicked for you to talk like that; to treat him so, just because he loved you sincerely."
"Much I care about his love! His behavior was none the less blamable. What excuse had he for sending that tall ruffian to insult me when I left the ball—which, of course, compelled Auguste to fight with the fellow?"
"I would take my oath that Monsieur Gustave never told that person, with whom he had dined, to say a single insulting word to you. Besides, Monsieur Grandcourt took his nephew away long before you left the ball. That man, who presumed to address an offensive remark to you, was drunk; he had already had trouble with some of the gentlemen, for he insisted on offering his arm to the ladies when they arrived for the ball."
"Then, my dear girl, you will agree that your Monsieur Gustave has some very low acquaintances?"
Adolphine made no reply, but sadly lowered her eyes. A moment later, her sister continued: "What surprises me is that I haven't once seen Monsieur Gustave, or met him anywhere, since my wedding. For a man so dead in love, not to try to see me at my window, at least once—— You see that he is consoled, so soon."
"He is not in Paris. His uncle forced him to start for Spain the very next day."
"Ah! he's in Spain? that makes a difference! But you seem to know all about him. From whom, pray?"
"Father met Monsieur Grandcourt not long ago, and he told him that his nephew was in Spain."
"Ah! someone has just rung."
"It's your husband, no doubt."