"I have a great deal to say to you, monsieur. I have some important explanations to make to you. I hope that you will be kind enough to escort me home, where we can talk without disturbing anyone."
Adolphine clung to Gustave's arm, as he replied with perfect tranquillity:
"Madame, I am very sorry to refuse; but I have determined never to enter your house again, and I do not require any explanation."
The little widow bit her lips in her wrath, while Adolphine breathed more freely.
"What, monsieur! Do you mean that you are afraid to come to my house?" said Fanny, trying to smile.
"I know very well, madame, that I have nothing to fear from your presence now. But I have no reason for calling upon you. Allow me to say, further, that I have every reason to be surprised at your invitation."
Fanny paced the floor, with every indication of the most intense annoyance; at last she returned to Gustave, and said in a determined tone:
"I tell you again, monsieur, that I must speak to you alone, that I have some things to make known to you, which I can tell only to you. As you absolutely refuse to come to my house, I will speak to you here. My sister will be good enough, I trust, to leave us for a moment.—Oh! I will not abuse monsieur's good-nature."
Adolphine was sorely disturbed; she seemed not at all inclined to leave her sister alone with Gustave; but he took her hand and put it to his lips, saying:
"Since madame insists upon it, go, my dear Adolphine; but don't go far, for our interview will not be a long one."