"Of course," answered Mme. Bretoneux, "and you can prove your devotion by giving him the care which I am telling you to give him. My brother must not only be protected from catching cold, but he must be guarded against sudden emotions which might, in his state of health, kill him. He is trying to find our dear Edmond, his only son. He is making inquiries in India...."
She paused, but Perrine made no reply.
"I am told," she went on, "that my brother gets you to translate the letters and cables that he receives from India. Well, it is most important that if there be bad news that my son should be informed first. Then he will send me a telegram, and as it is not far from here to Boulogne I will come at once to comfort my poor brother. The sympathy of a sister is deeper than that of a sister-in-law, you understand."
"Certainly, Madame, I understand; at least I think so," said Perrine.
"Then we can count on you?"
Perrine hesitated for a moment, but as she was forced to give a reply she said:
"I shall do all that I can for M. Vulfran."
"Yes, and what you do for him will be for us," continued Mme. Bretoneux, "the same as what you do for us will be for him. And I am going to show you that I am not ungrateful. What would you say if I gave you a very nice dress?"
Perrine did not want to say anything, but as she had to make some reply to the question she put it into a smile.
"A very beautiful dress to wear in the evening," said Mme. Bretoneux.