She will be most anxiously expecting you." They went upstairs together and, turning to the right on the top of the stairs, entered a pretty apartment that was evidently the countess's boudoir.
"This is our preserver, mother," the girl said, as she entered.
The countess, who was advancing towards the door, stopped in surprise.

She had been able, from her daughter, to gain no idea of the age of their rescuer; but the maids had all asserted that he was quite young.

As he was, for so the surgeons had told her, one of Marshal Keith's aides-de-camp, she had pictured to herself a fierce soldier; and the sight of this youth, with his smooth pleasant face, surprised her, indeed.
"Yes, mother, it is himself," the girl said.

"I was as surprised as you are." "I have no words to thank you, sir, for the most inestimable service which you have rendered us," the countess said warmly, as she held out her hand.

"Assuredly my husband would have died, had aid been delayed but a few minutes.