"No one would believe," remarked Madame Coloni, "that this story was of our day; its character is so simple and so elegiac."
Jacob rose; the hour was late, and all the company prepared to retire. The Russian, who had remained silent all the evening, was the only one who did not hasten to depart.
"Then, if not in Genoa, we shall meet again in Warsaw," said Lucie to Ivas and Jacob.
"You are surely going there, madame?"
"It appears that it is decided," replied she, looking at her companion. "The hour of departure only is not yet fixed. You will, perhaps, be kind enough to come to see me."
Ivas and Jacob returned to the Hotel Féder.
"I believe," said Ivas, "that I will not hear the rest of your biography this evening. You are already too fatigued with your remembrances. Good-night!"
CHAPTER VI.
[FROM GENOA TO PISA.]
When Jacob awoke the next morning, he was astonished to find himself alone. He was told that Ivas had gone out before daybreak. He was at first alarmed about this matinal sortie, although he tried to explain it by a desire to bathe in the sea, or curiosity to see the city. The thought came to his mind that the poor boy wished to leave him, through excess of susceptibility, and had departed, counting on his restored strength. However, the sight of his little travelling-bag calmed his fears, and he was waiting calmly for breakfast when Ivas returned.