But Monsieur de la Bérinière shook his head.
"I am not strong enough yet," he replied.
And the young widow said to herself:
"I am very much afraid that he never will be strong enough again!"
Things were at this point, when Madame Monléard's maid informed her mistress one morning that Monsieur Cherami requested the honor of an interview with her.
"Monsieur Cherami!" cried Fanny. "What! that man dares show himself at my house! my evil genius! But, no matter! I am curious to know what he can have to say to me.—Show the gentleman in."
Cherami, who had not omitted to make an elaborate toilet, came forward with a smiling face, saying:
"Madame Monléard did not expect a call from me?"
"No, monsieur, most assuredly not. After what has taken place between you and Monsieur de la Bérinière, I did not expect to see you here; but, since you are here, I trust that you will be good enough to tell me why you challenged a man you did not know, and who had not injured you?"
"Mon Dieu! madame, surely you can guess. I wished to avenge poor Gustave, whom you have played with like a macaroon."