"Is Aurelie there?" asked the blind man in a changed voice, a voice low and weak, like that of a sick child.
Perrine went forward quickly.
"I am here, M. Vulfran," she said.
"Let us get into the carriage, Aurelie," he said.
As soon as he had taken his place beside Perrine his head drooped on his chest. He said not a word.
At the foot of the office steps Talouel was there ready to receive him and help him to alight.
"I suppose you felt strong enough to come?" he said, in a sympathetic voice which contrasted with the flash in his eyes.
"I did not feel at all strong, but I came because I thought that I ought to come," said his employer.
"That is what I meant ... I...."
M. Vulfran stopped him and told Perrine to guide him to his office.