Fanny appeared at last; she bowed to her visitor, who seemed to her to have "a funny look"; for such is the fashionable method of describing what one does not know how to describe; then she pointed to a chair, and said:
"You wish to speak to me, monsieur? about some business at the Bourse, I presume?"
Cherami was embarrassed at the sight of the young woman. He realized that his mission was more difficult to execute than he had thought; however, he sat down, stammering:
"Madame—it is—it is on the subject——"
"Of to-day's market, is it not?"
"No, not to-day's, madame; but it was the Bourse which caused—which brought about the event—the calamity——"
"Be kind enough, monsieur, to explain yourself more clearly, for I do not understand you at all."
Cherami bit his lips, seeking the best method of preparing the young woman for what he had to tell her; and after reflecting for a considerable time, he cried:
"Madame, I came to tell you that your husband is dead!"
Fanny started from her seat, gazed at the man before her, and rejoined, with a shrug of her shoulders: