little thought that the time would come
when I should trust him as implicitly as you do. You have a right
to be proud of him, Jeanne. What thought and devotion and courage
he has shown for us! And do you know, he saved Victor too. Jacques
has told me all about it--how Victor saw his father brought out
to be murdered; and how, half-mad, he was springing out to stand
beside him, when Harry as quick as thought knocked him down before
he could betray himself; and then Jacques, who was standing by saw
it, helped him carry him here. Oh, my dear, how much we owe him!

"And now, Virginie," she said, turning to the youngest, "I must
have a good look at you, little one--but no, I mustn't call you
little one any longer, for you are already almost as tall as I am.
My child, how you have been growing, and you look so well! Louise
must have been feeding you up. Ah, Louise, how much we all owe to
you too! And I hear you are going to leave your comfortable home
and take care of the girls on their journey. It was such a comfort
to me when Harry told me!"

"I could not let them go alone, mademoiselle," the old woman said
simply; "it was only my duty. Besides, what should I do in Paris
with all my children in England?"

"Now, my dears, take your things off," Marie said. "I will just
run in and see how Victor is getting on. Harry went straight in to
him, and I want to know whether Victor recognized him."

CHAPTER XII

Nantes

Harry was very pleased to see a look of recognition on Victor's
face as he came up to the side of his couch.

"Well, Victor," he said cheerfully, "I am glad to see you looking
more yourself again."

Victor nodded assent, and his hand feebly returned the pressure of
Harry's.

"I can't understand it," he said after a pause. "I seem to be in
a dream; but it is true Marie is here, isn't it?"

"Oh yes! She is chatting now with her sisters, Jeanne and Virginie,
you know."

"And why am I here?" Victor asked, looking round the room. "Marie
tells me not to ask questions."

"No. There will be plenty of time for that afterwards, Victor. It
is all simple enough. You were out with me, and there was an accident,
and you got hurt. So I and a workman who was passing carried you
into his house, and he and his wife have been taking care of you.
You have been very ill, but you are getting on better now. Marie
has come to nurse you, and she won't leave you until you are quite
well. Now, I think that's enough