Fanny's sister seemed to be expecting his visit; she held out her hand as soon as he appeared, saying:
"Poor Gustave! I know all! My sister has disappointed you again! It is horribly hard!"
"What! you know already that she refuses to marry me! Who can have told you?"
"Why, she herself; she came here yesterday to tell us that, as soon as her mourning is at an end, she is going to marry——"
"She is going to marry, you say?"
"Why, didn't you know it?"
"Finish, in God's name! She is going to marry——"
"The Comte de la Bérinière."
Gustave dropped upon a chair, repeating between his teeth:
"The Comte de la Bérinière!"