Cherami reflected for some minutes. He remembered that Capucine was a corporal in the National Guard, and thought that he might perhaps consent to act as his second. That hope decided him; he smiled at his stout friend, and replied:
"You do whatever you please with me. I had important business in Paris; but your husband can help me about it, I think. I am at your service. Ho for Saint-Mandé!"
"Good! you are very obliging. If you go on as you have begun, I will forgive you, too."
These words were accompanied by a languishing glance of immeasurable length. It made Cherami shudder.
"I am terribly afraid," he thought, "that she would like me to take up Ballot's duties."
Madame Capucine called Jacqueline. An old servant, all twisted and bent, came limping along, with an enormous basket on her arm.
"Tudieu!" thought Cherami; "here's a soubrette who will hardly divert the attention of the haberdasher's young clerk."
"Is the 'bus there, Jacqueline?"
"It's just comin', madame."
"Let's hurry up and get seats, Monsieur Cherami. Will you take Aristoloche by the hand?"