"I believe so," said Aurora.
Valentine appeared from the direction of the sick-room and beckoned to Honoré. Doctor Keene did the same and continued to advance.
"Awake?" asked Honoré.
"Yes."
"Alas! my brother!" said Madame Grandissime, and started forward, followed by the other women.
"Wait," said Honoré, and they paused. "Charlie," he said, as the little doctor persistently pushed by him at the head of the stair.
"Oh, there's no chance, Honoré, you'd as well all go in there."
They gathered into the room and about the bed. Madame Grandissime bent over it.
"Ah! sister," said the dying man, "is that you? I had the sweetest dream just now--just for a minute." He sighed. "I feel very weak. Where is Charlie Keene?"
He had spoken in French; he repeated his question in English. He thought he saw the doctor.