"At what time?"
"Six o'clock ... if I can get a seat."
Talma gently shook his head.
"You are deceiving me," he said; "you have not been able to save me, and you wish to stay with me to the end.... If I had been a peasant from Brunoy, I could have been cured; but they have bungled over me.... However, my death will enable them to learn how they ought to treat someone else. So much for doctoring! Now go and fetch MM. Nicod and Jacquet."
These were his lawyers. The gardener was called and sent on this errand. Talma recognised him.
"Ah! is that you, Louette?" he said.
Then, turning to his nephew, he added—
"I have not paid him for the last two months; you must tell Madame it is most essential.... But, by the bye, where is Caroline?"
"She is asleep."
"Which means she is crying."