"Mlle. Herminie, I regret very much that it should be under such unfortunate circumstances that I have the honour of introducing to you my uncle, Commander Bernard."
"'She has fainted.'"
Original etching by Adrian Marcel.
The young girl responded with an almost affectionate smile and bow, and the old officer said:
"And I, mademoiselle, am doubly sorry, as I was unfortunately the cause of this accident which distresses you so much."
"But how did it happen, uncle?" asked Olivier.
So while Herminie, seeing that, thanks to her attentions, Ernestine was gradually regaining consciousness, made her again inhale a few drops of cologne, Commander Bernard began his explanation by saying:
"I went out this morning while you were talking with one of your friends, Olivier."
"Yes, uncle, Madame Barbançon told me that you had been so imprudent as to go out in spite of your extreme weakness, but she felt less anxious about you, I thought, from the fact that you had seemed in unusually good spirits when you left the house."