Her last one arrived in terrible shape. She remained at his side night and day. Two times he was operated on. At times he was better, at times worse. During his first moment of consciousness, he asked that his wife be summoned——
What difficulty she had in obtaining a complete address and formulating a telegram according to his wishes! Then he murmured:
"She will not arrive too late?"
The nurse had written:
"Your husband is gravely wounded; come quick, but hope for the best."
What a painful journey she would have to endure!
During these days she learned a little more of the life of this man. Every minute she went to see if the wife had not come. She returned close to him.
"Be assured, mon brave, you will get better. She will come. One travels with difficulty these days——"
She exaggerated the slowness of travel and he accepted what she told him; but he whispered: