She leaned towards me.
"Tell whoever takes care of him," she whispered in my ear, "that he cannot live long. The doctors have assured me. It is a matter of weeks."
I walked with her to the door.
"It was an expensive journey for you," I remarked.
She laughed.
"Henri did leave me everything," she said. "I have no need of money. If monsieur—"
She sighed, and looked towards the door of Felicia's room. Then she fluttered away down the corridor, and I slowly retraced my steps. Felicia came out in a few minutes and sat by her uncle's side. The others had all departed, and we were left alone.
"Dear," I said, "this is no place for you any longer. You must come with me, and bring your uncle."
She held out both her hands.
"Wherever you say, Austen!" she murmured.