Monsieur Batonnin was greatly vexed by the rejection of his hand. When he learned that it was Gustave who was preferred to him, he was tempted to make ill-natured remarks, because he, in common with many others, thought that Gustave must be a coward, as he allowed Cherami to fight for him. But when he came face to face with Adolphine's beloved, when he saw the scar of the famous sword-cut, Monsieur Batonnin became smiling and soft-spoken once more, and congratulated Gustave on his new choice.
Some months after Gustave's marriage, Cherami, who had become a dandy once more in respect to dress, happening to pass the omnibus office near Porte Saint-Martin, met Madame Capucine and her two boys. He greeted the corpulent dame cordially, saying:
"Do you happen to be going to your aunt's again? But, no; this isn't the direction."
"Excuse me; she isn't at Saint-Mandé now, she's gone back to Romainville; she feels better there."
"Does she eat as many rabbits?"
"No, too many were stolen; she got sick of 'em."
"Then, I will call again to see dear Madame Duponceau."
"Oh! yes, as you did before; when you leave the house, that's the last we see of you. Come now, with us."
"I can't possibly to-day; I see two young ladies yonder looking for me."
Cherami had caught sight of Mesdemoiselles Laurette and Lucie at the corner of the boulevard, where they had stopped to stare at him, and were saying to each other: