The couple, then, although they had not seen each other for eight days, and during that time serious events had taken place in which both were concerned, accosted each other with a degree of preoccupation. Nevertheless, Bonacieux manifested real joy, and advanced toward his wife with open arms. Madame Bonacieux presented her cheek to him.
“Let us talk a little,” said she.
“How!” said Bonacieux, astonished.
“Yes, I have something of the highest importance to tell you.”
“True,” said he, “and I have some questions sufficiently serious to put to you. Describe to me your abduction, I pray you.”
“Oh, that’s of no consequence just now,” said Mme. Bonacieux.
“And what does it concern, then--my captivity?”
“I heard of it the day it happened; but as you were not guilty of any crime, as you we
