"But," continued the surgeon, "the greatest caution is necessary still—no great excitement! The convalescence will be long—very long. In order to heal perfectly, the wound needs prolonged rest; but, unless something unforeseen happens, I repeat—monsieur le comte is saved.—When he wakes, he will feel better, and he will question you, no doubt. Urge him to think of nothing but getting well, and tell him that I have forbidden you to allow him to talk."
Then, having written a new prescription, the doctor went away, carrying with him the benedictions of those whom he had made happy.
"When he wakes," said Jarnonville, "the count will recognize this apartment, as it is the one he occupied when he lived with his father."
"After all," said Ambroisine, "he must know it at some time. Where could he be taken better care of than in his own house, with his wife and child?"
"Oh! do not mention his wife to him!" cried Bathilde; "that might make him angry, and you know what the doctor ordered!"
"Will you trust me?" said the chevalier; "I am sure that I can arrange matters so that your husband will have an agreeable awakening, attended by pleasant sensations.—Pray, madame, intrust your daughter to me."
"Yes; the sight of that little angel cannot fail to produce a happy result."
"But he knows that she is his daughter."
"And that knowledge did not prevent him from embracing her!"