“I should very much like to see her,” he said timidly.
“That is impossible.” replied the old soldier.
“Why?” stammered the count.
“At least, M. de Commarin,” replied the soldier, “let her die in peace.”
The count started, as if he had been struck. His eyes encountered the officer’s; he lowered them like a criminal before his judge.
“Nothing need prevent the count’s entering Madame Gerdy’s room,” put in the doctor, who purposely saw nothing of all this. “She would probably not notice his presence; and if—”
“Oh, she would perceive nothing!” said the priest. “I have just spoken to her, taken her hand, she remained quite insensible.”
The old soldier reflected deeply.
“Enter,” said he at last to the count; “perhaps it is God’s will.”
The count tottered so that the doctor offered to assist him. He gently motioned him away.