Volume I Part 4 (1/2)

”She isn't used to that.”

”Never mind--I regret Amelia; I have only known her a week.”

”And you haven't had time to tire of her yet, eh? Well, console yourself; I'll bet you something that we shall find those two young women at the Opera ball.”

”You think so? It isn't probable, they've no money.”

”A grisette may have no money to pay her rent, but she always has enough to go to the ball. I thought that you were farther advanced in such matters, Edmond; you still have much to learn, my son.”

”Very well! if they're at the ball, so much the better; no matter how much they may be disguised, I am very sure that I can recognize Amelia; she has a funny little accent that she can't lay aside.”

”And what about me! how shall I recognize Henriette? She has a very distinct mark, a raspberry; to be sure, I doubt if she'll let me look at the place where it is, in the ball-room.”

”Let us start; we'll go into the Cafe du Pa.s.sage for a little while.”

”One moment! Chamoureau is coming. We can't go without him.”

”What's that! Chamoureau coming? What on earth induced you to ask that donkey? If he were amusing, or unpretentious, I wouldn't say a word; a man may be stupid and a good fellow; but he isn't that sort. And then, since he lost his wife, he pulls out his handkerchief as soon as she's mentioned! He is forever lamenting and weeping for his Eleonore!--Great G.o.d! let him weep for his wife, let him regret her--I wouldn't prevent him; but I have no inclination to share his grief. That you should sigh with him--that's all right, I can understand that; for his wife was very nice. You were always at their house; you took madame to the theatre and to drive.”

”It was Chamoureau's wish.”

”And that suited you very well. I am not blaming anybody. Indeed, Chamoureau has the head of a fellow to whom that sort of thing is sure to happen. But frankly, why do you want him to come and groan in our ears? Surely he won't go to the masquerade with us.”

”You think so, my dear fellow, but you don't know Chamoureau at all; he is infinitely more amusing than you think. He's a man to be studied; I propose this evening to put you in a position to judge him. But hus.h.!.+ I hear someone blowing his nose on the stairs; it must be he.”

III

A WIDOWER

The doork.n.o.b did, in fact, turn at that moment, and the person of whom they were speaking entered Edmond's room.

Monsieur Chamoureau was a man of about thirty-five years of age, who appeared fully forty; not that his face was lined or his features altered; on the contrary, his ears were red and his complexion ruddy.

But he was already blessed with a protruding paunch and had only a bunch of light hair on the top of his head, quite separate from that which still adorned his ears and the base of his skull. The good man's features were not repellent: his eyes were of the blue seen in faence; his nose, which was a little too long, was very straight; his mouth was small and delicate, his teeth were very handsome, his chin was well-rounded and embellished by a little dimple that would have made a chubby-cheeked angel envious, and his light whiskers were very unkempt.

He was of medium height, but not well-built; his calves were conspicuous by their absence, and his knees often met when he walked. All this, however, did not prevent Monsieur Chamoureau from considering himself a very handsome man.

”Well! here's Chamoureau at last!” said Freluchon, offering the newcomer his hand. ”I knew he would come, for he promised.”

”Good-evening, messieurs. Monsieur Edmond, it is very presumptuous of me to come to your apartment like this, but Monsieur Freluchon asked me to; I don't quite know why, for you two are going to enjoy yourselves, you think of nothing but ending your Carnival in good style, while I--Ah!

G.o.d!----”

Here Monsieur Chamoureau drew his handkerchief and blew his nose at great length.

”You did very well to come, Monsieur Chamoureau. Come to the fire and warm yourself.”

”Sapristi! how fine you are, Chamoureau! You have a brand-new coat, I do believe, and trousers too, eh?”

”Yes; one must dress decently.”