But Thélénie had already had time to identify the business agent, and she pointed to the open door, saying in a voice that trembled with wrath:
"Get out, monsieur, get out at once, and say to those who sent you here that this jest will cost them dear. As for you, never let me see your face again."
"But, madame, I don't understand; I swear to you that I really believed——"
"Go!—or I will call my coachman!"
Thélénie's eyes flashed fire and their expression at that moment was so menacing that Chamoureau backed out of the carriage in deadly terror. He was no sooner on the ground than the coachman drove away.
"My hat! my hat! I have left my hat in your carriage!" cried Chamoureau, running after the coupé.
A window was lowered and the hat thrown out into the avenue. At that moment a calèche passed at a rapid pace; our widower was obliged to jump aside in a hurry, and one wheel of the calèche passed over the ill-fated hat. Chamoureau stooped and picked up the shapeless mass, swearing in very emphatic fashion. Then he returned to the sidewalk, trying to restore some shape to his hat, and not noticing two young men, arm-in-arm, a few steps away, who were nearly convulsed with laughter.
XXII
AN INHERITANCE
That same evening, after he had been home to get another hat, because the first one was entirely ruined, Chamoureau bent his steps toward Freluchon's. He was beside himself with rage and could hardly speak.
"I am going to Fre—Fre—Freluchon's," he stuttered to the concierge.