Helen wavered.
"You were with them all the time at the chateau?"
"Yes. If she wishes," was all that Helen could say, her voice crackling in its dryness.
"That she has not wished it on other occasions. I see!" murmured Madame Ribot. "She does this time."
"Good-bye!"
"Good-bye! You've done wonderfully, Helen. Of course, it is better than nursing if you continue to make it go. You see, I was anxious about you if anything happened to me."
"And I've been very trying sometimes. I'm sorry!"
There was something whose place even successful drawings for the press could not supply—affection. Helen was singularly hungry for it to-night.
"Of course you will write us and come down to see us!" said Madame Ribot.
"Of course!" Helen repeated.