"In the morning, and then again in the afternoon?"
"Yes—if mamma will let me!"
Léodgard became pensive, and was silent for a long while, still toying with the child's hair. After a few minutes, Blanche cried:
"I prayed to the good Lord, I did, with mamma, to make my friend not be sick any more!"
"Dear child, how kind you are! Do you love me a little?"
"Oh, yes! with all my heart!"
Léodgard made a movement; it was plain that he desired to kiss Blanche; but he could not raise himself so as to put his face to hers. Jarnonville, who was watching him out of the corner of his eye, saw all this; he made no sign, however, but remained where he was, pretending to be engrossed by his book.
At last, unable to reach the child's face, Léodgard decided to say to her:
"Give me your hand—a little farther—against my lips; that is right."
And he covered his daughter's little hand with kisses, while she exclaimed with delight: