When they rose from table Maurice returned to his father's chamber. His grandmother still sat erect and statue-like in her chair as though she had not moved.
The hours flew by only too rapidly with Bertha, however they might have dragged in the sick-chamber. M. de Bois, also, must have lost all consciousness of time, for he did not propose to take his departure, and could Madeleine, even by a hint, dismiss him from her own house?
"Past five o'clock," said she, looking up from her drawing. "Bertha, pray ask Maurice to come to me."
When Maurice obeyed the summons, Madeleine remarked, showing him her watch, "You see how late it is; I fear the countess will become exhausted for want of food. It is in vain to hope that she could be induced to dine here; had you not better conduct her home and return?"
"Yes, certainly; it would be the wisest plan; how thoughtful you are!"
"Shall I send for a carriage? I fear she would not enter mine, or I would order that."
"I suppose not; it is wonderful to what cruel and inconsistent length she carries her pride."
"It is not our place, Maurice, to measure its length or analyze its workings. There is Robert in the hall; tell him to call a carriage."
When the carriage arrived, the countess, Bertha and Maurice, drove away together.