Hang it, that room isn't healthy! It's all very well being fond of people, but one doesn't want to kick the bucket." The count sat with uplifted eyes and did not seem conscious of what was going on around him.

Doubtless he was ignorant of the declaration of war, and he neither felt nor saw the crowd.
"Look, here he comes!" said Fauchery.

"Now you'll see." The count had, in fact, quitted his bench and was entering the lofty porch.

But the porter, who was getting to know his face at last, did not give him time to put his question.

He said sharply: "She's dead, monsieur, this very minute." Nana dead! It was a blow to them all.