"I don't know where he perches—this Comte de la Bérinière, whom Gustave told me about yesterday; but by doing sentry duty in front of this house, I can't fail to find out; this count will undoubtedly come to pay his respects to the little woman he's going to marry; he's rich, he will come in his carriage, and I am an awkward fellow if I can't learn the master's address from a servant."
Everything happened as Cherami had anticipated: about one o'clock, a stylish coupé drew up in front of Fanny's door, and a gentleman, who was no longer young, alighted from it; despite his years, he was dressed in the latest fashion and exhaled a powerful odor of perfumery.
"That's my man!" said Cherami to himself; and, having watched the count enter the house, he accosted the footman, who was yawning against a post.
"Wasn't that Monsieur le Comte de la Bérinière whom I just saw get out of this carriage?"
"Yes, monsieur; it was he."
"Ah! I said to myself: 'Why, there's an old acquaintance of mine!' yet I was afraid of making a mistake, so I didn't dare to speak to him; but I will go and renew my acquaintance with him to-morrow morning. Where does the dear count live now?"
"Rue de la Ville-l'Évêque, just at the beginning, near the Madeleine."
"Very good; I can see it from here. How late can I find the count at home in the morning?"
"Monsieur gets up late. He seldom goes out before noon."
"Infinitely obliged. I am sure that the dear count will be delighted to see me to-morrow morning."