"Ah, monsieur, if you could only save my father!"
"As I have had the pleasure of telling you before, mademoiselle, yesterday's crisis is past; we must now endeavor to prevent its recurrence."
"Do you believe that this can be done?"
"With God's help, mademoiselle, it is not impossible. I must give the matter the most careful thought."
Odile, much agitated, moved with me to the door, and as I bowed myself out of the chamber, I fancied that I detected in her lovely face an expression of increased hope. Sperver and I crossed the antechamber, where a few servants were standing awaiting the orders of their mistress. We had just entered the corridor, when Gideon, who led the way, turned abruptly round, and resting his hands on my shoulders, said:
"Gaston, I am a man to be trusted; what is your opinion of the case?"
"There is nothing to be feared to-night."
"I know that; you said as much to the Countess. But to-morrow?"
"To-morrow?"
"Yes. Don't turn your head. I suppose you can't prevent a recurrence of the attack, but, frankly, do you think he will die of it?"