"Whenever you choose, Monsieur Cherami; you are an excellent doctor, and I feel better already for your medicine."
"Au revoir, then, monsieur le comte! follow my prescription carefully."
"Oh! I shall take good care not to forget it."
Cherami took his leave, saying to himself:
"It can't possibly hurt him; it will warm him up a little, that's all; and he needs it, he was turning to pulp."
LIX
WHAT WAS SURE TO HAPPEN
The young widow was preparing to call on the count on the day following that on which she had sent Cherami to him, being very curious to know if he had already improved her fiancé's health, when her maid announced Monsieur de la Bérinière.
Fanny could not restrain a cry of surprise when the count entered her apartment as briskly as before his duel. It was the second day of the chartreuse treatment, and the count had taken three glasses before leaving home; that liqueur, which is really very strengthening when used with moderation, had restored his vigor; it had revived his mental powers; and Monsieur de la Bérinière, overjoyed at a change which he took as evidence of a return to his normal condition, had determined to go in person to inform the young widow of it.
Fanny expressed all the joy she felt at finding him restored to health.
"Yes, I am feeling very well," said Monsieur de la Bérinière. "My strength is coming back with a rapidity that surprises me. Would you believe, dear lady, that our good friend Monsieur Cherami is the one to whom I owe it all?"