They had completely dropped the "Monsieur" and "Mademoiselle," and this intimacy filled the young man's heart with joy. CHAPTER XX François had made a special arrangement with the captain of the _Soulacroup_, so that the charming Countess need not risk travelling with geese and pigs. At Quiberon he had reserved a special room that she might have at least an hour of rest. She went pale as death when she saw the philosopher and his wife waiting for her at the train, although they had sent her reassuring telegrams every few hours. But feared that something serious might have happened while she was on the way. François said with emotion as he kissed her trembling hand, "Everything is going well, Madame, be assured." She breathed deeply and the colour returned to her face, which was still so youthful in appearance. She presented Doctor Chartier, who had been present at Albert's birth, and had cared for him ever since, and General van Berger. Several peasant women, who had heard the news of her coming, pressed around offering flowers. "Your son is saved, Madame," they said. Her mother's soul was overcome with sorrow and joy, for she felt that they spoke the truth. Esperance, who had been watching for her coming, threw herself into her arms sobbing, but quickly realizing her impatience--"Come, come, he is expecting you." In spite of her efforts to keep calm the poor woman cast herself upon the bed and embraced her son, interrupting her sobs with words of endearment, crying, laughing, delirious with happiness, for he was indeed alive, and she had feared.... But she cast away the terrible thought. The doctor from the barracks entered for a consultation with Doctor Chartier, who issued the smiling command, "Leave him to the doctors now, good ladies." The Countess pressed a last kiss on her son's hand and went away with Genevieve and Esperance. After Doctor Chartier had examined the wound, he congratulated his _confrere_. "You have cared for our patient admirably, and you will find that his mother is eternally grateful to you." And indeed the Countess did press his hands and expressed with noble simplicity her gratitude to everyone for all that had been done for her son. The doctors were to return in the evening. Albert begged his mother to take a little rest. "If I have your word, dear mama, I declare to you I will go to sleep, I am so relieved to know your anxiety is over." "I will take care of your mother, Albert," said Esperance. "You take your medicine and go to sleep. Genevieve has promised to come and fetch me if you do not."