e trifling.
He, however, enjoined a few days of rest and repose.

Immediately, on hearing of the accident, Eric and Alete hurried to see
Ireneus, evincing the tenderest sympathy for him. M. de Vermondans, by
his assiduous care, proved how he loved his nephew. He also gave the two
preservers a munificent reward.

Ebba seemed completely crushed. Her sister found her seated in a chair,
with her eye fixed, her lips motionless, and her face pale. Completely
wrapped in thought, the young girl did not rouse, except at the sound of
Ireneus's name, and when she heard the various reports of the physician.
Often, during the day, she went to the invalid's chamber, passing timidly
up the steps, and placing her ear to the door. She would then to her
father, and sink again into her morbid sadness.

One night, when the nurse who sat with him had seen him sink to sleep and
retired, the young officer awoke under the impression that a delicate
hand was passed lightly over his forehead. He opened his eyes, and saw
the shadow of a woman flit behind the curtains. It was Ebba, who, unable
even to sleep at night, had furtively come, when she thought no one would
be aware of it, to be certain that his medicine was prepared, and to look
into his position.

Through the care of the physician and the affectionate friends who
surrounded him, Ireneus regained his strength.

The day he returned to the table was a very festival. M. de Vermondans
had invited his daughter, son-in-law, the doctor, and the two huntsmen
to dine with him. The latter brought the skin of the bear they had
killed, and which they wished to present to their less fortunate
companion.

They then told gaily all the incidents of that memorable day; and when,
during the course of conversation, they heard how lightly Ireneus had
considered the bear-hunt, one of them said:

"Ah, I am not surprised at what has happened. One should not trifle with
a bear. He is cunning and proud, and understands everything said of him.
If he is not treated with respect, he takes a cruel revenge. I would not
be surprised if, having heard what Monsieur said, he laid at the foot of
the tree expressly to teach him a lesson."

Ireneus, to whom Ebba translated this, laughed at the superstition. The
huntsmen, seeing him laugh, shook their heads, as if to say, "There is an
imprudent fellow, who will not profit by experience."

As he regained strength, Ireneus again felt the necessity of action. The
l