"Ah, if you could but restore my father's health!"
"As I have had the pleasure to inform you, madam, the crisis is past; the return must be anticipated, if possible."
"Do you hope that it may?"
"With God's help, madam, it is not impossible; I will think carefully over it."
Odile, much moved, came with me to the door. Sperver and I crossed the ante-room, where a few servants were waiting for the orders of their mistress. We had just entered the corridor when Gideon, who was walking first, turned quickly round, and, placing both his hands on my shoulders, said—
"Come, Fritz; I am to be depended upon for keeping a secret; what is your opinion?"
"I think there is no cause of apprehension for to-night."
"I know that—so you told the countess—but how about to-morrow?"
"To-morrow?"
"Yes; don't turn round. I suppose you cannot prevent the return of the complaint; do you think, Fritz, he will die of it?"