He promised to look
in again at the end of the day. Unluckily, the preposterous creature
must needs go and do something foolish this morning; he will not say
what it was. He is as obstinate as a mule. As soon as I begin to talk
to him he pretends not to hear, and lies as if he were asleep instead
of answering, or if he opens his eyes he begins to groan. Some time
this morning he went out on foot in the streets, nobody knows where he
went, and he took everything that he had of any value with him. He has
been driving some confounded bargain, and it has been too much for his
strength. One of his daughters has been here."
"Was it the Countess?" asked Eugene. "A tall, dark-haired woman, with
large bright eyes, slender figure, and little feet?"
"Yes."
"Leave him to me for a bit," said Rastignac. "I will make him confess;
he will tell me all about it."
"And meanwhile I will get my dinner. But try not to excite him; there
is still some hope left."
"All right."
"How they will enjoy themselves to-morrow," said Father Goriot when
they were alone. "They are going to a grand ball."
"What were you doing this morning, papa, to make yourself so poorly
this evening that you have to stop in bed?"
"Nothing.
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