The invalid dropped asleep. Violette was anxiously awaiting that moment, for she had heard noises in the outer room for several moments, and she guessed who it might be. As soon as she was certain that Roncherolle was asleep, she arose and softly opened the door of the other room, where she found Monsieur de Brévanne and Georget.
"My neighbor is asleep; you may come in, monsieur," said Violette to the count.
"You are quite sure that he is asleep, my child?"
"Yes, monsieur. You can tell by listening to him, his breathing is so difficult. Poor man! it seems that he has suffered terribly all day, and he is taking advantage of a little respite from pain, to rest."
"But you were talking just now."
"Yes, monsieur.—Oh! if you knew—he has a daughter, the poor man, and he said that he bitterly regretted not having her with him."
"Oho! he spoke to you of his daughter, did he?"
"Yes, monsieur; can you imagine that she does not come to take care of him, her father, when he is sick?"
"Did he tell you why she was not with him?"
"No, monsieur; he simply said that it was his fault.—But come in, monsieur; he is sound asleep."