When Léodgard next opened his eyes, they wandered about the room, as if in search of someone.
Jarnonville approached the bed and asked if he desired anything.
"Yes," whispered the count, trying to smile, "yes—I would like to see—the little girl."
"He is not willing yet to say 'my daughter,' but that will come in time," thought the chevalier, as he went to fetch Blanche, whom he soon led to her father's bedside.
The little one ascended the bed steps without aid, and showed her pretty face, her chestnut hair, and her winning smile.
"Bonjour, my friend!" she said.
Bathilde had instructed Blanche to address her father thus. Before giving him a sweeter name, she wished that Léodgard himself should authorize it.
The invalid succeeded in putting out his hand as far as the child, whose hair, already thick and silky, he patted gently, saying:
"You are very good to come to see me; but perhaps you will get tired of it. Will you come every day?"
"Yes, my friend."