Chapter 2, The Gastein Journal, Section 4 Summary

Several days later, the young couple returns to the dining room. They discover their usual table is taken up, so they sit with Madame Cottin. She tells them how her husband died in the flood, and although her heart is broken, she is getting better. As she amuses the couple with stories, they fall in love with her. After dinner they escort her to her room and from their room listen to her cry, as they have for many nights.

That night the couple argues over another magnificent event. The woman believes there are white roses falling into the lake and the soldier believes they are stars. When a grove of oranges falls from the sky, they stop arguing. On the balcony next door, Madame Cottin is also watching the lake, though she sees lanterns...