"Well, no," he said gravely, "not altogether; I have not been ill, it is true, but I have been out of sorts, and my indisposition has been augmented by this feeling that my brother is suffering with me." "Monsieur Lucien has already told me as much, and had I been sceptical I should now have been quite sure that what he said was a fact. I should require no further proof than I now have. So you, yourself, are convinced, monsieur, that your brother's health depends to a certain extent on your own." "Yes, perfectly so." "Then," I continued, "as your answer will doubly interest me, may I ask, not from mere curiosity, if this indisposition of which you speak is likely soon to pass away?" "Oh, you know, monsieur, that the greatest griefs give way to time, and that my heart, even if seared, will heal. Meantime, however, pray accept my thanks once more, and permit me to call on you occasionally to have a chat about Sullacaro." "With the greatest pleasure," I replied; "but why not now continue our conversation, which is equally agreeable to both of us. My servant is about to announce breakfast. Will you do me the honour to join me, and we can talk at our ease?" "I regret that it is impossible; I have an appointment with the Chancellor at twelve o'clock, and you will understand that such a young advocate as I am cannot afford to stay away." "Ah, it is probably only about that Orlandi and Colona affair, as you, no doubt, are aware, and I can re-assure you on that point, for I myself signed the contract as sponsor for this Orlandi." "Yes, my brother said as much." "But," he added, looking at his watch, "it is nearly twelve o'clock; I must go and inform the Chancellor that my brother has redeemed my word." "Ah, yes, most religiously, I can answer for that." "Dear Lucien, I knew quite well, though our sentiments do not agree on this point, that he would do it for me." "Yes, and I assure you it cost him something to comply." "We will speak of all this later, for you can well understand how pleasant it is for me to re-visit with your assistance my mother, my brother, and our home surroundings, so if you will tell me when you are disengaged----" "That will be somewhat difficult; for this next few days I shall be very busy, but will you tell me where I am likely to find you." "Listen," he said, "to-morrow is Mi-Careme, is it not?" "To-morrow?" "Yes." "Well?" "Are you going to the Opera Ball?" "Yes and No. Yes, if you will meet me there. No, if I have no object in going." "I must go, I am obliged to be there." "Ah, yes," I said laughing, "I understand, as you said just now, time heals up the greatest griefs, and your seared heart must be healed." "You are under a misapprehension, for I shall probably sustain new tortures by going." "Then do not go." "But what is one to do in this world? We cannot always do what we want; I am dragged thither by fate in spite of myself. I know I had better not go, and nevertheless I shall go."