"We have succeeded!" said Jarnonville, leading the child back to her mother; "the sight of the child instantly dissipated the clouds that darkened your husband's brow. Now, madame, you may be sure that Blanche will complete her father's cure." Bathilde lovingly embraced her daughter; then she took advantage of Léodgard's slumber to go to his side and gaze at him at her ease. By the sick man's movements they could always determine the moment when he would wake; thereupon Ambroisine and Bathilde hastened from the room, leaving Jarnonville there alone; or if the chevalier was absent, his place was taken by a servant. When Léodgard next opened his eyes, they wandered about the room, as if in search of someone. Jarnonville approached the bed and asked if he desired anything. "Yes," whispered the count, trying to smile, "yes--I would like to see--the little girl." "He is not willing yet to say 'my daughter,' but that will come in time," thought the chevalier, as he went to fetch Blanche, whom he soon led to her father's bedside. The little one ascended the bed steps without aid, and showed her pretty face, her chestnut hair, and her winning smile. "Bonjour, my friend!" she said. Bathilde had instructed Blanche to address her father thus. Before giving him a sweeter name, she wished that Léodgard himself should authorize it. The invalid succeeded in putting out his hand as far as the child, whose hair, already thick and silky, he patted gently, saying: "You are very good to come to see me; but perhaps you will get tired of it. Will you come every day?" "Yes, my friend." "In the morning, and then again in the afternoon?" "Yes--if mamma will let me!" Léodgard became pensive, and was silent for a long while, still toying with the child's hair. After a few minutes, Blanche cried: "I prayed to the good Lord, I did, with mamma, to make my friend not be sick any more!" "Dear child, how kind you are! Do you love me a little?" "Oh, yes! with all my heart!" Léodgard made a movement; it was plain that he desired to kiss Blanche; but he could not raise himself so as to put his face to hers. Jarnonville, who was watching him out of the corner of his eye, saw all this; he made no sign, however, but remained where he was, pretending to be engrossed by his book. At last, unable to reach the child's face, Léodgard decided to say to her: "Give me your hand--a little farther--against my lips; that is right." And he covered his daughter's little hand with kisses, while she exclaimed with delight: "Oh! monsieur friend! he kiss Blanche's hand!" Concealed behind the folds of a portière, Bathilde saw it all, and tears of joy escaped from her eyes. The count kept the child with him a long while, but at last made up his mind to send her away.