"And M. Cloarek?"
"M. Segoffin is alone and wants to see Mlle. Sabine at once. Thérèse went up to tell her, and she sent word for him to come right up to her room."
"Tell mademoiselle that I will come at once if she needs me."
The nurse left the room again, and Suzanne returned to her nephew's bedside to continue her conversation with him.
CHAPTER XX.
THE MIDNIGHT ATTACK.
"It was no bad news that they came to tell you just now, was it, aunt?" inquired Onésime, as Suzanne reseated herself near him.
"Oh, no; I will tell you what it was presently. Let me go on with my story. You recollect Thérèse running in to tell us that the stable was on fire, and that a band of armed men were attacking the house?"
"Yes, yes; what a terrible night it was!"
"I shall never forget the mingled terror and admiration I felt at the courage you displayed. I can hear you saying now: 'Flight is impossible; I cannot preserve you from danger, my infirmity, alas! prevents that, but I can at least make a rampart of my body for your protection;' and, arming yourself with an iron bar wrenched from one of the shutters, you rushed to the door, and alone and unaided guarded the entrance to the room with truly supernatural courage and strength."
"Don't speak of that, my dear aunt. Really, I—"