"No, my dear Arthur; I have never had such a thought. Fanny has all that she wants--she is happy; I shall be very careful to avoid disturbing her happiness; I have neither the right nor the desire to do so. But, as I feel that the sight of her intensifies my suffering, by reviving the passion which I am trying to extinguish; as I do not wish to expose myself--for some time, at least--to the chance of meeting her at the theatre or in society, why, I shall leave Paris, and travel once more. My uncle always has business in other countries, and he will not be sorry to employ me in that way again."
"That's a crazy idea of yours! So, if your love happens to hang on, that little woman will make you do the tour of the world?"
"There is something that works quicker than time in the cure of love; to wit, another love. You ought to have had ten mistresses in Spain."
"Impossible! I thought of nobody but her."
"You can fairly boast of being a paladin of the good old times. You could have given _Roland_ and _Amadis_ points. So you are going to leave Paris again! Would you like me to travel with you?"
"Thanks! my company is far from agreeable; my sole pleasure consists in musing by myself--thinking of the happiness to which I looked forward for some time, but which I am never to know."
"We would have sought adventures together, aye, and found them too, I promise you! That would have diverted your thoughts."
"I do not care to divert my thoughts, as my only pleasure is the thought of her."
"Sapristi! yours is a devilishly persistent passion! However, as you're so obstinate----"
Cherami paused, and seemed to reflect upon the best means of changing the subject.
"In that case, it will be another long while before I see you again?" he said at last. "That troubles me--especially as there are times when a friend is very essential!"
Cherami shook his head, rubbed his chin, and added, between his teeth:
"I haven't my cue at this moment--I need it damnably!"
Gustave glanced at the ex-beau, whose piteous expression was even more noticeable against his wretched costume; then he exclaimed:
"Can I do anything for you, my dear friend? If so, tell me, I beg; I should be happy to be of any service to you!"
"Faith! my dear fellow, I will not conceal from you that I am at this moment absolutely cleaned out. I counted on some money that was owing me; my quarterly income isn't due for six weeks."