It may be a long and difficult task, Marie, before he is himself again; but I believe that with your care and companionship he will get round in time, but it may be months before that." "Time is nothing," Marie said.

"But what about the girls ?" "They must still be under my charge, Marie.

I shall start with them in a day or two and try to make for the sea-shore, and then across to England.

Suspicions have been aroused; they have already been denounced, and may be arrested at any time.

Therefore it is absolutely necessary that they should fly at once; but I thought that you would consider it your first duty to stay with Victor, seeing that to him your presence is everything, while you could do nothing to assist your sisters, and indeed the fewer of us there are the better." "Certainly it is my duty," Marie said firmly.
"You will be perfectly safe here under the care of Jacques and his wife.