"Good heavens!" he cried, "what does this mean? It is Jane!"

They reached the avenue, and looked about for a carriage, but none was
to be seen.

"Where are we to take this poor thing?" said Goutran.

"To my rooms," answered Esperance. "But I am afraid she will die in my
arms!"

"I will hasten on and arouse the servants, and have everything
prepared."

"Yes, by all means. I am strong, and shall be there almost as soon as
yourself."

In a very few minutes they reached the hotel, which Goutran opened with
a key given him by Esperance. They entered the corridor that led to the
rooms formerly occupied by Haydee.

Esperance, with infinite precautions, laid Jane on the bed.

The girl's hair had fallen loose, and its darkness made an admirable
background for her delicate features.

When Esperance saw this frail form thus inert, and the blue-veined lids
closing the eyes, he yielded to his emotion and sobbed like a child. He
was very unlike his father, and in these few moments he probably
suffered more than his father had ever done.

Goutran, in the meantime, had lighted the room, then coming to the side
of the bed, he leaned over the girl.

"Esperance!" he said, "rouse yourself, if you wish to save her!"

With a violent effort Esperance resumed his self-control.

"Ah! you are right, my friend. But if Jane is dead, I shall die also,
for I love her--I love her!"

And he uttered these words in a tone of such sincerity that Goutran
understood the whole.

"We must see the wound," continued Esperance, "for I am something of a
physician."

Goutran gently removed the shawl, and on the left bosom there was a
small, dark spot. Esperance listened for the beating of her heart. There
was a moment of terrible suspense. At last Esperance rose from his
knees.

"She is living," he said, in a grave voice. "Goutran, go to my room and
bring me a small sandal-wood case on the chimney-piece."

Esperance spoke now with absolute calmness. He was himself once more.
When alone with Jane he took her head in his hands.

"Why," he said in his low, harmonious tone, "why did you wish to die?
You shall live, Jane, and nothing shall ever separate us more!"

He pressed his lips to Jane's. This kiss was an oath. Would Esperance
keep it?

Goutran returned with the case.

"Shall I not call some one?" asked the young man.

"No, not yet," Esperance replied.

He opened the box and took out an instrument.

"My hand does not tremble