Floriot nodded.
"He tells me that it was then that he got the idea which has saved Raymond's life. I owe my boy's life to your brother, Madame Varenne," he added, his voice vibrant with gratitude, "and you may be sure that I will never forget it."
"What he has done has been its own reward," she replied gently. "My brother is so fond of Raymond!"
Floriot smiled tenderly.
"And you?"
"Oh, I love the child!" she exclaimed.
"He loves you, too," Floriot assured her. "You were the first person he asked for when the fever left him. And now, that we are alone for a moment I want to take the opportunity of thanking you from the bottom of my heart!"
"Thanking me! For what?"
"For your friendship."
"How absurd you are!" she laughed. "Then I ought to be making pretty speeches to you to thank you for yours as well!"