Newman walked as far as the village church, and went into the small grave-yard beside it, where he sat down and looked at the awkward tablets which were planted around.

They were all sordid and hideous, and Newman could feel nothing but the hardness and coldness of death.

He got up and came back to the inn, where he found M.Ledoux having coffee and a cigarette at a little green table which he had caused to be carried into the small garden.

Newman, learning that the doctor was still sitting with Valentin, asked M.Ledoux if he might not be allowed to relieve him; he had a great desire to be useful to his poor friend.

This was easily arranged; the doctor was very glad to go to bed.