"My child," said the physician to Frederick, "I have something special to say to your mother. Please remain here with David."
And turning to his friend, he added:
"Henri, I can rely on you; you understand me?"
"I understand you."
"You give me your word to do what you ought to do?"
After a long hesitation, during which Frederick, surprised at these mysterious words, looked alternately at the doctor and David, the latter replied, in a firm voice, as he extended his hand to his friend.
"Pierre, you have my word."
"That is well," said the physician with deep emotion, as he pressed David's hand.
Then he added:
"I have only fulfilled one half of my task."