The time seemed very long to Léodgard, who had become accustomed to the pleasure of seeing his daughter. We do not fully realize the value of things until we are deprived of them. Until that moment, the count had thought perhaps that his daughter's presence was simply an agreeable diversion; now, he felt that it had become an imperative need.
At last the doctor came, and Léodgard questioned him eagerly concerning Blanche's condition.
The doctor began by allaying his fears, and continued:
"Even if this indisposition should prove to be one of the diseases common to children, we would cure her."
"A disease! What disease do you suspect, doctor?"
"Why, it is what used to be called Pusula—the feu ardent, feu sauvage, Saint Anthony's fire."[B]
[B] Erysipelas.
"You terrify me, doctor!"
"But in those days they were very ignorant! It is simply the measles—what we doctors call Boa; a skin disease, very light in children, unless they are not properly cared for—unless there is imprudence. There is no danger of that in this case.—But how are you, monsieur le comte?"
"I am doing well, and I wish that I might be allowed to rise."