ched in the chamber of death.
They were alone beside him who was no more. They did not speak,
Georges's eyes seemed attracted to that emaciated face which the
flickering light made more hollow. That was his friend, Charles
Forestier, who the day before had spoken to him. For several years he
had lived, eaten, laughed, loved, and hoped as did everyone--and now
all was ended for him forever.

Life lasted a few months or years, and then fled! One was born, grew,
was happy, and died. Adieu! man or woman, you will never return to
earth! He thought of the insects which live several hours, of the
feasts which live several days, of the men who live several years, of
the worlds which last several centuries. What was the difference
between one and the other? A few more dawns, that was all.

Duroy turned away his eyes in order not to see the corpse. Mme.
Forestier's head was bowed; her fair hair enhanced the beauty of her
sorrowful face. The young man's heart grew hopeful. Why should he
lament when he had so many years still before him? He glanced at the
handsome widow. How had she ever consented to marry that man? Then he
pondered upon all the hidden secrets of their lives. He remembered that
he had been told of a Count de Vaudrec who had dowered and given her in
marriage. What would she do now? Whom would she marry? Had she
projects, plans? He would have liked to know. Why that anxiety as to
what she would do?

Georges questioned himself, and found that it was caused by a desire to
win her for himself. Why should he not succeed? He was positive that
she liked him; she would have confidence in him, for she knew that he
was intelligent, resolute, tenacious. Had she not sent for him? Was not
that a kind of avowal? He was impatient to question her, to find out
her intentions. He would soon have to leave that villa, for he could
not remain alone with the young widow; therefore he must find out her
plans before returning to Paris, in order that she might not yield to
another's entreaties. He broke the oppressive silence by saying:

"You must be fatigued."

"Yes, but above all I am grieved."

Their voices sounded strange in that room. They glanced involuntarily
at the corpse as if they expected to see it move. Duroy continued:

"It is a heavy blow for you, and will make a complete change in your
life."

She sighed deeply, but did not reply. He added:

"It is very sad for a young woman like you to be left alone." He
paused;