At sight of Cherami, whom he recognized at once, although his apparel was greatly improved, Monsieur Grandcourt frowned. His visitor, on the contrary, tried to smile, and said, bowing gracefully:
"Monsieur, I have the honor to be your servant."
"Perfectly, monsieur. Indeed, you are not at all changed, except in respect to your dress, which I congratulate you upon having renewed."
"Ah! you notice that? You look at a man's dress, I see?"
"Why, I should say that it was impossible not to notice it."
"I mean to say that you attach importance to it, that you judge the man by his coat."
"Was it to ascertain my opinion on that subject that you called on me, monsieur?"
"No; oh, no! I snap my fingers at other people's opinions. I know my own value, and that's enough for me."
"I congratulate you, monsieur, on knowing your own value; it is quite possible that the world at large doesn't suspect it."
Cherami bit his lips and twisted his whiskers, muttering:
"This devil of a fellow hasn't changed, either--still sarcastic, mocking. I don't despise intellects of that type; they prick and stir one up. You retort, and the conversation is all the more highly spiced."
Monsieur Grandcourt repressed a faint smile and leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, as if waiting to hear what his caller had to say.
"I would be willing to bet that you guess why I have come?" said Cherami at last.
"It is quite possible, monsieur; still, I may be mistaken."
"I have come to ask where your dear nephew is--my friend Gustave."
"Still travelling? But, he must be somewhere."
"Not long ago--that's rather vague. However, he writes to you, and you answer him, I presume?"
"Consequently, he tells you where to send your letters. Very good! be kind enough to give me his address, so that I may write to Gustave forthwith. I desire to tell him a piece of news which will make him very happy, and will probably hasten his return to Paris. When one can give a friend pleasure, it would seem that one cannot do it too quickly! Don't you agree with me in that?"
"Perhaps, monsieur; that depends on the possible results of the pleasure which you wish to afford your friend. What is this joyous news which you are in such haste to transmit to my nephew, so as to make him hurry back? Couldn't you tell me?"