Being unable longer to control his impatience, he decided to interrupt their conversation, and said aloud to Fanny:
"My dear Fanny, I went to-day to see that apartment on Rue Fontaine—you know—that I spoke to you about this morning?"
The widow was perceptibly annoyed. However, she replied, with a surprised air:
"What! what apartment? I don't remember. Oh! yes, yes, I know what you mean."
"Well, the apartment is very well arranged and very attractive. I am confident that you will like it; but you must look at it immediately, for the chances are that it will be let very soon."
"Very well, very well; I will go to look at it.—Oh! Monsieur de la Bérinière, you went to Naples, didn't you? Did you see Vesuvius vomit flame? That is something I am very curious to see. Do tell me what a volcano is like?"
Gustave walked away, far from satisfied. It seemed to him that his future spouse was too deeply interested in Italy. He returned to Adolphine, lost in thought, and sat down beside her. She said nothing, but she looked at him and read his thoughts.
Monsieur Gerbault succeeded at last in talking with the count. Whereupon Gustave returned to Fanny, and said to her:
"Aren't we going? You said that you should go home early."
But the little widow, who did not choose to have the count see her go away with Gustave, replied: