"Did this one come from China, too?"
"No, my boy. Do not revive my sorrow! My Chinese switch will never be replaced; but enough about canes. I have a very great favor to ask of you, my dear Monsieur Courbichon, one of those favors which a man of honor never refuses to grant."
"I have no money with me at this moment, monsieur; and it would be impossible for me——"
"Who the devil said anything about money? Mordieu! do I look like a man who borrows money?"
Monsieur Courbichon examined Cherami, who had made himself as fine as possible for his visit to Monsieur de la Bérinière; and he took off his hat, murmuring:
"I beg your pardon; indeed, I had not noticed—— But what is the favor you wish to ask me, monsieur?"
"A nothing, a mere bagatelle—to act as my second in a duel, to-morrow."
"A duel! it's about a duel! and you dare to propose to me to take part in it! What have I done to you, monsieur, that you should suggest such a thing to me?"
"I tell you, Monsieur Courbichon, it's a mere matter of form; the seconds don't fight."
"I, be present at a duel! Understand that I never fought a duel, monsieur! I would rather die than fight!"