Behold, therefore, what will be--exploitation to the last breath, to the limit of wearing out, to death perfected! I have overtaken Marie.

By her side I feel more defenseless than when I am alone.

While we watch the festival, the shining hurly-burly, murmuring and eulogistic, the Baroness espies me, smiles and signs to me to go to her.

So I go, and in the presence of all she pays me some compliment or other on my service at the front.

She is dressed in black velvet and wears her white hair like a diadem.