"O my God, Thou knowest that my utmost wish has been for my father's life to be spared."
This was as much as could be expected from the girl whose lover's life had been attempted by her father.
The patient shuddered at this voice, and his breathing was more hurried; he opened his eyes and his glance, wandering for a space over the room, was fixed on the woman. His hand made a move to repulse this figure which he doubtless took to be a vision. Their glances met, and Gilbert was horrified to see the hatred which shot towards each, rather than affection.
She rose and went to find Pitou by the door. He was on all fours, playing with the babe.
She caught up her boy with a roughness more like a lioness than a woman, and pressed it to her bosom, crying,
"My child, oh, my child!"
In the outburst were all the mother's anguish, the widow's wails, and the woman's pangs.
Pitou proposed seeing her to the stage, but she repulsed him, saying:
"Your place is here."
Pitou knew nothing but to obey when Catherine commanded.