MADAM FOUCHERE
"It was not my friend Dr. Leyden!" cried Fouchère.
"But, yes; a delightful fellow."
"I knew him well!" cried Fouchère. "He is as you say a delightful fellow; I once had the pleasure of entertaining him at my villa at La Coupe." For some time they talked of Leyden and then Fouchère arose.
"It is time to dress for dinner," said he. "Madam will probably not appear this evening, but I will see you at dinner, my dear Aristide," and with a bow to his friend he left the smoking room.
Dessalines went below to find himself duly installed in his stateroom by Jules. As it was growing late he dressed for dinner. Madarn Fouchère did not appear and he spent the evening with his friend. The pair excited much interest among their fellow passengers.
When he awoke the following morning the sea was smooth as a lake. He rang for Jules who appeared with coffee and rolls.
"Good morning, Jules," said Dessalines lazily. He had rested ill, for the size of the bunk was ridiculously inadequate to contain his enormous frame.
"Merci, Monsieur le Comte," replied Jules, with a birdlike bob of the head. "I hope that you have rested well, but fear that this absurd bed has been too cramped for the comfort of one of the magnificent proportions of Monsieur le Comte."
"Peste!" growled Dessalines, "one might as well try to sleep in a hat box. What is the weather, Jules?"
"Delightful … and the sea like the floor of a dance hall."
"And the temperature?"
"It is mild as a day in the spring."
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