He spoke and then they all knew him. Bowing to the governess, he said:
“Your pardon, Madame, but unless I came in this disguise there was no way for me to come at all. I did not change before seeing you because it is best that you note well my disguise so that you will all know me again.”
His voice trembled and he sank on to a chair which old Martin pushed forward.
“Martin, bread and hot soup at once! The man is famished and exhausted. Bertran, pour some wine. There, that is well.” The governess came to Neville’s side and held the wine to his lips.
Bertran
Martin went for food and the others, filled with concern and interest, came up close to Neville.
When he could speak, Neville looked at Madame le Pont and said faintly:
“I would see you alone, Madame!”
Then it seemed as though they all spoke at once, crowding up to his chair.