"True: excuse me, doctor, for being a fool. Talking of fools—no, I mean the other way about—how is Sebastian?"
"Wonderfully well, you shall see him to-morrow."
"Still at college? I shall be downright glad."
"And so shall he, for he loves you with all his heart."
At six, he started in the carriage and by seven was at Catherine's door. She opened it and shrieked on seeing Pitou:
"I know—my mother is dead!"
She turned pale and leaned against the wall.
"No; but you will have to hasten to see her before she goes," replied the messenger.
This brief exchange of words said so much in little that Catherine was at once placed face to face with her affliction.
"That is not all," added the peasant.