"Yes, I know that your sister is a widow."
"Who has told you that, so soon?"
"Cherami; you know, the man who was with me the day of——"
"Oh, yes! I know him; it was he, too, who came to tell us the fatal news of poor Auguste's death; for, I don't know how it happens, but your Monsieur Cherami succeeds in having his finger in everything; everybody takes him for a confidant.—When did you return?"
"Only last evening."
"It was very nice of you to think of coming here. Father is out, but he will be at home soon."
"Good! for I shall be very glad to talk with him. I trust that he won't think it improper for me to come here now, as he did before?"
Adolphine could not restrain a nervous gesture as she replied:
"Ah! so you want to come to see us again? Yes—I understand—you are no longer afraid to meet Fanny."
"Do you think that I ought to avoid her presence still? tell me, dear Adolphine!"