"Perhaps that is what makes his spirits so good. So he has been fighting duels, has he?"
"Yes, with an Irish officer."
"Everybody seems to be duelling, nowadays! He must have wanted to follow his friend Cherami's example. What about his business?"
"His uncle has just made him his partner. Gustave will have at least forty thousand francs a year for his share."
"Is it possible! he's a lucky fellow! And he's been in Paris a week, and I had no idea of it! Hallo! everything seems to be topsy-turvy here! Have you been buying all these things?"
"Yes."
"Are you going to a ball?"
"Better than that: I am going to a wedding."
"To a wedding! and I am not invited! Who's to be married, pray?"
Adolphine was hesitating over her reply, when the door opened and Gustave appeared. When she saw the man whom she had twice promised to marry, Fanny dropped into an easy-chair, threw back her head, and pretended to faint. Adolphine became deathly pale; but a glance from Gustave reassured her. He went to her side, took her hand, and pressed it affectionately in his.