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.