h annoyed, or very unwell.

He did not leave his study on that day, but had his dinner brought up to
him. He ate very little,--only some soup, and a very thin fillet of
sole with white wine. While eating, he said to M. Contois, the butler:
"Remind the cook to spice the sauce a little more, in future," and then
added in a low tone, "Ah! to what purpose?" In the evening he dismissed
his servants from all duties, saying, "Go, and amuse yourselves." He
expressly warned them not to disturb him unless he rang.

On the Monday, he did not get up until noon, although usually an early
riser. He complained of a violent headache, and of feeling sick.
He took, however a cup of tea. He ordered his brougham, but almost
immediately countermanded the order. Lubin, his valet, heard him say:
"I am hesitating too much;" and a few moments later, "I must make up my
mind." Shortly afterwards he began writing.

He then gave Lubin a letter to carry to Mademoiselle Claire d'Arlange,
with orders to deliver it only to herself or to Mademoiselle Schmidt,
the governess. A second letter, containing two thousand franc notes,
was intrusted to Joseph, to be taken to the viscount's club. Joseph
no longer remembered the name of the person to whom the letter was
addressed; but it was not a person of title. That evening, Albert only
took a little soup, and remained shut up in his room.

He rose early on the Tuesday. He wandered about the house, as though he
were in great trouble, or impatiently awaiting something which did not
arrive. On his going into the garden, the gardener asked his advice
concerning a lawn. He replied, "You had better consult the count upon
his return."

He did not breakfast any more than the day before. About one o'clock, he
went down to stables, and caressed, with an air of sadness, his favorite
mare, Norma. Stroking her neck, he said, "Poor creature! poor old girl!"

At three o'clock, a messenger arrived with a letter. The viscount took
it, and opened it hastily. He was then near the flower-garden. Two
footmen distinctly heard him say, "She cannot resist." He returned to
the house, and burnt the letter in the large stove in the hall.

As he was sitting down to dinner, at six o'clock, two of his friends,
M. de Courtivois and the Marquis de Chouze, insisted upon seeing him,
in spite of all orders. They would not be refused. These gentlemen were
anxious for him to join them in some pleasure party, but he declined,
saying that he