All was
plain and severe, though scrupulously neat. There was not an
ornament in the room, only a crucifix and a holy-water stoup by the
side of the bed, and a priest standing by, of the grave and severe
aspect which distinguished those connected with Port Royal aux
Champs. Madame Darpent's face looked white and shrunken, but there
was a beautiful peace and calmness on it, as if she dwelt in a region
far above and beyond the trifling world around her, and only
submitted, like one in a dream, to these outward formalities. I felt
quite ashamed to disturb her with my dull commonplace compliment of
condolence, and I do not think she in the least saw or knew who we
were as her lips moved in the formula of thanks. Then Clement led us
away in the stream to the buffet, where was the cake and wine of
which it was etiquette for every one to partake, though we only drank
out of clear glass, not out of silver, as when the mourners are
noble. Monsieur Verdon and some familiars of the house, whether
friends or relations I do not know, were attending to this, and there
was a hum of conversation around; but there was no acquaintance of
ours present, and nobody ventured to speak to us, except that Clement
said: 'She will be gratified, when she has time to understand.' And
then he asked whether I had heard anything of my brother.
As the streets were tolerably clear, I thought we had better drive at
once to the Louvre, to see my poor god-mother Queen and my mother.
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