"No, I never saw him until this evening," Vane answered, "but I want everything possible done to save his life, and I will be responsible."
The energetic little French doctor needed no better incentive than this, for the wealth and generosity of the young English earl had been common talk in the town ever since his arrival, and he threw himself into the work of effecting Wallace's recovery with all his heart. Every luxury that Vane could think of or the doctor suggest, was supplied for his benefit and comfort.
Mr. and Mrs. Mencke took a hasty leave the day following the disclosures related in the foregoing chapter.
Their treachery and unnatural harshness toward Violet had been unmasked, and Lady Cameron and her son did not take any pains to conceal their condemnation of such atrocious conduct; consequently Violet's sister and her husband were anxious to escape from Mentone as quickly as possible.
"You must go home also, mother," Vane said to Lady Isabel, after their departure, "it will not do for you to remain longer in this enervating climate."
"And what of you, my son?" the fond mother questioned, anxiously.
"I shall stay with him until he recovers, or at least until he is able to be moved farther north," the young man quietly responded.
"Vane——"
"Do not oppose me, mother, please," he interrupted, "he is a stranger in a strange country, with not a friend to minister to his need or comfort; and, if I am not mistaken, he has only a scant supply of money."
"But the nurse and physician can look after him, and the bills can all be sent to you, if you wish," urged Lady Cameron.