Jacques had his eyes fairly open now, and was wide awake.

It was Mademoiselle de Crequy, looking bright, clear, and resolute.

The faithful heart of the old man read that look like an open page.

Her cousin should not die there on her behalf, without at least the comfort of her sweet presence.
"'Here he is,' he whispered as her gown would have touched him in passing, without her perceiving him, in the heavy obscurity of the place.
"'The good God bless you, my friend!' she murmured, as she saw the attitude of the old man, propped against a pillar, and holding Clement in his arms, as if the young man had been a helpless baby, while one of the poor gardener's hands supported the broken limb in the easiest position.
Virginie sat down by the old man, and held out her arms.

Softly she moved Clement's head to her own shoulder; softly she transferred the task of holding the arm to herself.