At the end of twenty-four hours, my exhaustion was very great, but I did not find the sensation disagreeable, and, in the state of mind in which I was then, I was pleased with the idea that, by increasing, that weakness would at last kill me.

I was delighted to see that no one disturbed me to offer me some food, and I congratulated myself upon having dismissed my servant.
Twenty-four more hours passed by, and my weakness became complete inanition.
I was in that state when De la Haye knocked at my door.

I would not have answered if he had not said that someone insisted upon seeing me.

I got out of bed, and, scarcely able to stand, I opened my door, after which I got into bed again.
"There is a stranger here," he said, "who, being in want of a carriage, offers to buy yours." "I do not want to sell it." "Excuse me if I have disturbed you, but you look ill." "Yes, I wish to be left alone." "What is the matter with you ?" Coming nearer my bed, he took my hand, and found my pulse extremely low and weak.
"What did you eat yesterday ?" "I have eaten nothing, thank God I for two days." Guessing the real state of things, De la Haye became anxious, and entreated me to take some broth.

He threw so much kindness, so much unction, into his entreaties that, through weakness and weariness, I allowed myself to be persuaded.