“After all, I could not resist the temptation to read the directions, and to draw my own conclusions. Who is Count Ville-Handry? I suppose he is your father. And M. Maxime de Brevan? No doubt he is the young man who called to see you so often. Ah, if you would but trust me! If you but knew how a little experience of the world often helps us to overcome the greatest difficulties!”
He was evidently deeply moved.
“However, wait till you are perfectly well again before you come to any decision. Consider the matter carefully. You need not tell me any thing else but what is absolutely necessary for me to know in order to advise you.”
“Yes, indeed! In that way I may”—
“Well, I’ll wait, why, as long as you want me to wait,—two days, ten days.”
“Very well.”
“Only, I pray you, promise me solemnly that you will give up all idea of suicide.”
“I promise you solemnly I will.”
Papa Ravinet’s eyes shone with delight; and he exclaimed joyously,—
“Done! I’ll come up again to-morrow; for, to tell the truth, I am tired to death, and must go and lie down.”