He smiled with the almost childish smile of the very ill returning to life.
"Then I shall be on my guard, henceforth," she threatened him gently with a slender finger.
He stretched his hand out towards her. She pressed it tenderly.
"Be careful, Albert, don't move too much."
They had completely dropped the "Monsieur" and "Mademoiselle," and this intimacy filled the young man's heart with joy.
CHAPTER XX
François had made a special arrangement with the captain of the Soulacroup, so that the charming Countess need not risk travelling with geese and pigs. At Quiberon he had reserved a special room that she might have at least an hour of rest. She went pale as death when she saw the philosopher and his wife waiting for her at the train, although they had sent her reassuring telegrams every few hours. But feared that something serious might have happened while she was on the way.
François said with emotion as he kissed her trembling hand,
"Everything is going well, Madame, be assured."
She breathed deeply and the colour returned to her face, which was still so youthful in appearance. She presented Doctor Chartier, who had been present at Albert's birth, and had cared for him ever since, and General van Berger. Several peasant women, who had heard the news of her coming, pressed around offering flowers.
"Your son is saved, Madame," they said.