He was silent for a few moments, and then resumed: "If I had to make a
choice among your admirers, I should still prefer that old fossil De
Vaudrec. What has become of him, I have not seen him for a week?"
"He is unwell," replied she, unmoved. "He wrote to me that he was even
obliged to keep his bed from an attack of gout. You ought to call and
ask how he is. You know he likes you very well, and it would please
him."