Eugene sighed heavily. "You have erred, mother. You should have left further vengeance to God. What does it profit me that Barbesieur suffers—his sufferings cannot recall my Laura."
"Ah," said Olympia, disappointed, "if you were in health, you would not be so pusillanimous, my child. 'Tis easy to see that you are sick."
"No, mother, I am no longer sick. At Laura's command, I have wrestled with bodily weakness, and have overcome it."
"I do not understand you, my son."
Eugene pointed to the figure of Doctor Franzi, who just then entered the room. "Listen, mother, and you will understand."
The doctor advanced, and, taking Eugene's extended hand, repeated
Laura's dying words. Eugene looked at his mother, and smiled.
"This message has been the medicine that has restored me to health.
My Laura speaks from beyond the grave, and I must obey."
"Who but a hero could have obeyed a mandate at once so loving and so cruel!" exclaimed Doctor Franzi. "Countess, I am rejoiced to see you, but more especially rejoice that you should have arrived to- day."
"I travelled night and day to return in time," said Olympia, looking fondly at her son.
"Is it a festival?" asked he.