Riche and Villebois, however, were more sanguine, and they went back to Renée's room.
They found Payot sitting by her side, applying the iced bandages to her head, and ever and anon stroking her hair and kissing her forehead.
Renée recognised her father, and smiled with mingled surprise and pleasure at the great change which had come over his conduct towards her.
"Cheer up, Renée," Villebois cried aloud as they ran to her bedside, "cheer up, we have not abandoned all hope yet."
Renée was so petrified with astonishment that she was unable to speak for some moments.
"What did you say? Do you mean that Henri is alive?"
"Well, not exactly that," interposed Riche, "but I could almost swear he is not dead."
Renée sat bolt upright in bed, and rubbed her eyes to make sure she was not dreaming, and seizing Riche's hand made him repeat his statement.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, doctor, for this good news."
"Read this, Renée, and this as well," he said smiling, and he handed her Delapine's message and tender little verses.