Chapters XIX and XX Summary

In chapter nineteen, Newman is met by another friend of Valentin's at the train station. Newman is informed by this man that Valentin will not survive the wounds he received in the duel. When Newman is finally allowed to see Valentin, Valentin asks first if Claire is going to come to him, then also if his mother and brother are coming. Newman tells Valentin only that Claire had left Paris and Newman was unable to speak to her in person about Valentin's injuries. Although Newman says nothing to Valentin at first about what has happened concerning his engagement to Claire, Valentin guesses that something is wrong with Newman.

For a while the doctors will not let Newman see Valentin, claiming that he excites the sick man. Valentin, however, insists that his friend be allowed to return to...