“He might die of them?”
“Yes.”
“Very soon?”
“Very soon. In a few minutes or even seconds. But reassure yourself, Madame; I am convinced that he will be quite well again in two weeks.”
She had listened, with profound attention, to know all and understand all.
“What laceration might he have?”
“A laceration of the liver, for instance.”
“That would be very dangerous?”
“Yes—but I should be surprised to find any complication now. Let us go to him. It will do him good, for he awaits you with great impatience.”
On entering the room she saw first a pale face on a white pillow. Some candles and the firelight illumined it, defined the profile, deepened the shadows; and in that pale face the Countess saw two eyes that watched her coming.