"Life is not entirely extinct," he said at last, turning to the anxious
father, as he wiped the polished surface of his tiny mirror. "The
patient still breathes, and as long as there is life there is hope, But
do not give yourself up to a premature joy that might render your grief
more bitter afterwards. I only say that the Duke of Vallombreuse has not
yet breathed his last; that is all. Now, I am going to probe the wound,
which perhaps is not fatal, as it did not kill him at once."
"You must not stay here, Isabelle," said the prince, tenderly; "such
sights are too trying for a young girl like you. Go to your own room
now, my dear, and I will let you know the doctor's verdict as soon as he
has pronounced it."
Isabelle accordingly withdrew, and was conducted to an apartment that
had been made ready for her; the one she had occupied being all in
disorder after the terrible scenes that had been enacted there.
The surgeon proceeded with his examination, and when it was finished
said to the prince, "My lord, will you please to order a cot put up in
that corner yonder, and have a light supper sent in for my assistant and
myself? We shall remain for the night with the Duke of Vallombreuse, and
take turns in watching him. I must be with him constantly, so as to note
every symptom; to combat promptly those that are unfavorable, and aid
those that are the reverse.
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