Hallamar shook his head emphatically. “Not for one moment.”
“I am glad to have your confirmation of my conviction,” Herriard replied. “But I would maintain it against any man’s opinion for all that,” he added with a smile.
The doctor merely acknowledged his enthusiasm with a gesture as Count Prosper rejoined them.
When they went upstairs the Count and Hallamar became deep in a discussion in their own language, and Herriard found himself with Alexia.
“You have a downright champion, Countess, in the Professor,” Herriard said.
“I was hoping,” she returned, “that I no longer needed one.”
“I hope and believe so too,” he replied. Then added in a lower tone, “I shall be sorry though, to think that my office has come to an end.”
For an instant her eyes rested on his face, then she looked away. “It may, happily, come to an end officially, since its work will have been accomplished, but it will never be forgotten.”
The last words were spoken low, with just the suspicion of a tremor in them. It seemed to pass to Herriard, as he responded, “Ah, Countess, how you reward me!”
“Reward you? Can I ever do that?” she said.