Just at this point the doctor's assistant was announced, who brought a most favourable report from the sick-room.

He was charged to tell the prince that his son's condition was eminently satisfactory--a marked change for the better having taken place; and that Maitre Laurent considered the danger past--believing that his recovery was now only a question of time.
A few days later, Vallombreuse, propped up on his pillows, received a visit from his faithful and devoted friend, the Chevalier de Vidalinc, whom he had not been permitted to see earlier.

The prince was sitting by the bedside, affectionately watching every flitting expression on his son's face, which was pathetically thin and pale, but handsomer than ever; because the old haughty, fierce look had vanished, and a soft light, that had never been in them before, shone in his beautiful eyes, whereat his father's heart rejoiced exceedingly.

Isabelle stood at the other side of the bed, and the young duke had clasped his thin, startlingly white fingers round her hand.

As he was forbidden to speak, save in monosyllables--because of his injured lung--he took this means of testifying his sympathy with her, who had been the involuntary cause of his being wounded and in danger of losing his life, and thus made her understand that he cherished no resentments.