But feared that something serious might have happened while she
was on the way.
Francois 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.
Her mother's soul was overcome with sorrow and joy, for she felt that
they spoke the truth.
Esperance, who had been watching for her coming, threw herself into
her arms sobbing, but quickly realizing her impatience--"Come, come,
he is expecting you."
In spite of her efforts to keep calm the poor woman cast herself upon
the bed and embraced her son, interrupting her sobs with words of
endearment, crying, laughing, delirious with happiness, for he was
indeed alive, and she had feared.... But she cast away the terrible
thought.
The doctor from the barracks entered for a consultation with Doctor
Chartier, who issued the smiling command, "Leave him to the doctors
now, good ladies."
The Countess pressed a last kiss on her son's hand and went away with
Genevieve and Esperance.
After Doctor Chartier had examined the wound, he congratulated his
_confrere_.
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