Nothing is so quickly forgotten as a defunct suitor." These were by no means the chevalier's sentiments, but he refrained from pursuing the subject then, wishing to soothe, rather than irritate, his suffering friend.
"You must first get well as fast as you can," he said, "and it will be time enough then for us to discuss the matter.

All this talking wearies you, and does you no good.

Try to get a little nap now, and not excite yourself so.

The surgeon will tax me with imprudence, and call me a bad nurse, I'm afraid, if I don't manage to keep you more quiet--mentally as well as physically." His patient, yielding with rather an ill grace to this sensible advice, sank back wearily upon his pillows, closed his eyes, and soon fell asleep--where we will leave him, enjoying his much needed repose.
Meantime the Marquis de Bruyeres and de Sigognac had quietly returned to their hotel, where, like well-bred gentlemen, they did not breathe even a hint of what had taken place.

But walls have ears they say, and eyes as well it would appear, for they certainly see as much as they ever hear.