“My body seems broken, but I have no actual pain,” answered Bruno.
“What a miracle that your brain was not crushed. God be praised!” said the grateful mother. “But can you not come home?”
“I believe so.”
“No imprudence, if you please,” expostulated Eugène. “Bruno must remain here for a few days or a week if necessary.”
“You are too good, Monsieur Eugène,” said the young man. “Already I have given you so much trouble. With Jean’s assistance I can easily go home.”
Sidonie was hoping that Bruno would mention her presence. The poor girl was looking reproachfully at him when Mother Mathurine noticed her for the first time.
“Why, Sidonie, child! You have been very quiet. How long have you been here? Come and kiss me.”
“Madame Catherine also assisted Monsieur Eugène when he bled my arm. She held it for him,” broke out Bruno, unconsciously wounding the already suffering Sidonie.
“Yes, I know. I met her on the way here. Poor Catherine! She looked unhappy!”
“But she ought to be the happiest woman in the village,” said Monsieur Eugène earnestly.