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.
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