She is now in a state of utter insensibility, of complete prostration of all her intellectual faculties, of coma, of paralysis so to say; to-morrow, she may be seized with convulsions, accompanied with a fierce delirium." "And will she speak then ?" "Certainly; but that will neither modify the nature nor the gravity of the disease." "And will she recover her reason ?" "Perhaps," answered the doctor, looking fixedly at his friend; "but why do you ask that ?" "Ah, my dear Herve, one word from Madame Gerdy, only one, would be of such use to me!" "For your affair, eh! Well, I can tell you nothing, can promise you nothing.

You have as many chances in your favour as against you; only, do not leave her.

If her intelligence returns, it will be only momentary, try and profit by it.

But I must go," added the doctor; "I have still three calls to make." Noel followed his friend.

When they reached the landing, he asked: "You will return ?" "This evening, at nine.