Part 51 (1/2)
Cherami was duly served. Meanwhile, Auguste had seated himself at another table and was writing.
Madame Duponceau's breakfast did not interfere with Cherami's enjoyment of the foie gras, which he watered with frequent draughts of Beaune, saying to his neighbor from time to time:
”Pray drink a gla.s.s of this wine; it's old and very good; there won't be any left in a moment; however, we can remedy that by ordering another.--Waiter, bring me some kind of cheese and a second bottle of this Beaune.”
Auguste had ceased to write; he sealed the two letters and handed them to Cherami.
”Will you kindly take these letters, my dear monsieur? one is for my wife, Madame Monleard; the address is written on it.”
”By the way, how is your good wife?”
”Very well; but allow me to finish. This other letter, without address, is for you.”
”For me?”
”Yes; and you must give me your word of honor not to read it until half an hour after I have left you.”
”Half an hour after you have left me?”
”Yes; will you promise?”
”If it will oblige you, I promise.”
”Thanks; I rely upon your word.”
”You may safely do so; I haven't thirty-six words in serious matters; but the other letter?”
”When you have read what I have written to you, you will see what I ask you to do; and I am confident that you will carry out my intentions.”
”I have told you that I am entirely at your service.”
”Here is my purse, for I shall not come back here. You will find enough inside to pay for whatever you may have ordered.”
”Very good; I will pay, and I will put the change in the purse. It's a very pretty little thing--very dainty, and in excellent taste.”
”If you like it, pray keep it in memory of--our acquaintance.”
”You are really too kind. I don't stand on ceremony, myself, so I accept it.”
”And now--pour me a gla.s.s of wine, so that I may drink with you.”
”Ah! now you're talking!”
Cherami filled two gla.s.ses; Auguste took one of them with a firm hand, touched it to the one held by the ex-beau, muttered a few unintelligible words, and swallowed the wine at a single gulp.
”Sapristi! how fast you go! one has no time to follow you. I toss champagne off like that sometimes, but it's a miserable way to drink, as a rule. I like better to sip. Shall we have another gla.s.s, so that I may drink your health?”
”No, I haven't time. Adieu, monsieur; I rely on your promise. You will not read that letter for half an hour.”
”You have my word! Are you going so soon?”