"That was the result of our duel."
"Gad! monsieur, it seems that you have sworn the death of all the captivating Fanny's husbands."
"If she had married my friend Gustave, I promise you that I wouldn't have fought with him!"
"You will permit me to inform you, monsieur, that your conduct is utterly absurd."
"Why so, monsieur, I pray to know?"
"Because one doesn't take up the cudgels in this way for another man who is old enough to attend to his own affairs. Your friend Gustave doesn't see fit to fight; why should you take it into your head to fight for him?"
"I explained the reasons of my conduct a moment ago. If you didn't listen, I will repeat them."
"It's a waste of time, monsieur; I shall not fight with you."
With that, the count pulled up the bedclothes, turned his face to the wall, and curled himself up so that he made but a large-sized ball.
Cherami rose and paced the floor; then went to the fireplace and warmed his feet at the fire that burned briskly on the hearth, saying: