Goutran, in the meantime, had lighted the room, then coming to the side of the bed, he leaned over the girl.
"Esperance!" he said, "rouse yourself, if you wish to save her!"
With a violent effort Esperance resumed his self-control.
"Ah! you are right, my friend. But if Jane is dead, I shall die also, for I love her—I love her!"
And he uttered these words in a tone of such sincerity that Goutran understood the whole.
"We must see the wound," continued Esperance, "for I am something of a physician."
Goutran gently removed the shawl, and on the left bosom there was a small, dark spot. Esperance listened for the beating of her heart. There was a moment of terrible suspense. At last Esperance rose from his knees.
"She is living," he said, in a grave voice. "Goutran, go to my room and bring me a small sandal-wood case on the chimney-piece."
Esperance spoke now with absolute calmness. He was himself once more. When alone with Jane he took her head in his hands.