Daréna gave the dealers his address, so that they might send him what he had selected, and they took their leave, greatly pleased.
While the old servant went out to give orders for breakfast, Daréna said to Chérubin:
“Now you are dressed in perfect taste—that is very good so far; but it isn’t enough; I propose that my young friend shall have all the little trifles, all the jewelry that is absolutely essential for a Parisian lion.”
“What do you say? a lion?”
“That is the name given to-day to a young man of fashion. Have you a watch?”
“Yes, this one; it belonged to my father.”
As he spoke, Chérubin showed Daréna a gold watch as thick as it was broad. The count roared with laughter as he glanced at it.
“Why, my dear fellow, if you should be seen carrying such an onion, people would laugh in your face.”
“What’s that? Why, it’s gold!”
“I don’t doubt it; and I may add that it is a most respectable watch, as it came from your father; but such watches are not worn now. Put it away carefully in your desk and have a stylish one, as thin as a sheet of paper. I have instructed my steward to find one for you, and to bring you this morning all the jewelry that you ought to have. Stay, I hear him asking for you now in your reception room.—This way, Poterne, this way; monsieur le marquis is visible.”