Reaching the Manor safely, she ran up to her room, arranged her hair, washed her hands, and came again to Ferrol’s bedroom. Knocking softly she was admitted by Nic. There was an unnatural brightness in her eyes. “Where’ve you been?” he asked, for he noticed this. “What’ve you been doing?”
“I’ve killed the bear that tried to kill him,” she answered.
She spoke louder than she meant. Her voice awakened Ferrol.
“Eh, what?” he said, “killed the bear, mademoiselle,—my dear friend,” he added, “killed the bear!” He coughed a little, and a twinge of pain crossed over his face.
She nodded, and her face was alight with pleasure. She lifted up his head and gave him a little drink of brandy. His fingers closed on hers that held the glass. His touch thrilled her.
“That’s good, that’s easier,” he remarked.
“We’re going to bathe you in brandy and hot water, now—Nic and I,” she said.
“Bathe me! Bathe me!” he said, in amused consternation.
“Hands and feet,” Nic explained.
A few minutes later as she lifted up his head, her face was very near him; her breath was in his face. Her eyes half closed, her fingers trembled. He suddenly drew her to him and kissed her. She looked round swiftly, but her brother had not noticed.