I myself had already been asleep for some twenty-five
hours; if I awoke at ten I should still be in time.
I endeavored to ascertain who was in the room and what was going on
there. Dede must have been playing on the landing, for once when the
door opened I heard her shrill childish laughter outside. Simoneau must
have retired, for nothing indicated his presence. Mme Gabin's slipshod
tread was still audible over the floor. At last she spoke.
"Come, my dear," she said. "It is wrong of you not to take it while it
is hot. It would cheer you up."
She was addressing Marguerite, and a slow trickling sound as of
something filtering indicated that she had been making some coffee.
"I don't mind owning," she continued, "that I needed it. At my age
sitting up IS trying. The night seems so dreary when there is a
misfortune in the house. DO have a cup of coffee, my dear--just a drop."
She persuaded Marguerite to taste it.
"Isn't it nice and hot?" she continued, "and doesn't it set one up? Ah,
you'll be wanting all your strength presently for what you've got to go
through today. Now if you were sensible you'd step into my room and just
wait there."
"No, I want to stay here," said Marguerite resolutely.
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