"You have heard my resolve, M. Olivier. I shall not say another word. Have pity on me. Can you not see that this interview is killing me?"
Olivier, seeing that it was useless to expostulate further, bowed to Herminie in silence, and then walked towards the door; but he had scarcely opened it when he exclaimed:
"My uncle, and you, Mlle. Ernestine! Great Heavens! This pallor—and this blood on your forehead! What has happened?"
On hearing Olivier's words, Herminie rushed out of her room into the little hallway.
CHAPTER VII.
GOOD NEWS.
The cause of Olivier's surprise and alarm was only too apparent.
Commander Bernard, pale as death and greatly agitated, was clinging to Mlle. de Beaumesnil's arm as if for support; while the young girl, quite as pale as the old officer, and clad in a simple lawn dress, had several blood-stains on her forehead and cheek.
"What is the matter, uncle?" cried Olivier, scrutinising the veteran's face with deep anxiety. "What has happened?"
"Great Heavens! Ernestine, are you hurt?" cried Herminie, almost simultaneously.
"It is nothing, Herminie," replied the young girl, trying to smile, though her voice trembled violently. "It is nothing, but excuse me for bringing this gentleman in. Just now—I—you see—"