"There they are; yes, those are they; I recognize them." "Who, pray?" "The dealers in Mont-Dore water. Come, look at them! they're going along the street, and their cask with them." Monsieur de Maugrille looked out, and exclaimed in dire wrath: "Water-carriers! they were water-carriers!" The count, having also looked out, declared that he did not recognize them; at last, Monsieur de Gervier observed: "Oh, well! to be sure, it isn't Mont-Dore water that they sell; but, after all, it's a kind of water that's even more indispensable. For my part, this makes the affair all the more amusing, and that duel will be one of my most delightful recollections." Monsieur de Maugrille made a wry face and held his peace, and the count returned to the table. "Come, messieurs," he said, "this need not prevent our drinking to my approaching happiness; it's extraordinary how thirsty I am to-night!" The dinner lasted until a late hour, but at last they left the table and parted: Monsieur de Gervier going to see his Dulcineas, Monsieur de Maugrille to play his game of whist, and the count to bed; he was very tired. It was Wednesday, and the pretty widow was awaiting all the gifts which her fiance had promised her. "I flatter myself that it won't be to-day as it was that other time," she thought; "I shall not wait in vain. He won't have another duel on his hands; there's nobody to challenge him now. Monsieur Cherami is on my side; he wants me to marry the count. It's strange how he has turned about; perhaps he has had a row with Gustave; the main point is that he has kept his promise; he has restored Monsieur de la Beriniere's health, and that's a service I shall not forget." But the clock struck twelve, and one, and two; and neither the bridegroom nor his presents appeared. Fanny paced her room impatiently, muttering: "Oh! what a bore it is to wait! It may not be the count's fault, but for some time past it has seemed as if I were destined to be vexed and thwarted all the time." When the clock struck four, the young woman could restrain her impatience no longer. "Justine," she said to her maid, "you must hurry to Monsieur de la Beriniere's again and find out what has happened, what prevents him from coming. I can't pass my whole life waiting for that man. Go quickly, take a cab by the hour. I am ruining myself in cabs for him; it's to be hoped that he will make it up to me." Justine obeyed her mistress; but when she returned, it was with a woe-begone face, as before. "Mon Dieu! what has happened now?" cried Fanny. "Monsieur le comte returned home late last night, about ten o'clock, madame, with a violent headache; he had been dining at a restaurant. He was hardly in bed when he had an attack of fever, followed by delirium; they sent for the doctor, who said that he had indigestion, inflammation of the intestines, and also of the lungs. In fact, he's very ill."