Memoirs of a Physician by Alexandre Dumas Read Free Book Online Page A

that period, formed the usual -ornament of double doors. Thus concealed, he strained his eyes and ears to the utmost stretch ; so happy, that his heart melted with joy ; so fearful, that the same heart shrunk together till it seemed to become only a minute point in his breast.
    He listened and gazed.
     
    AFTER VI.
    THE BROTHER AND SISTER.
    GILBERT, as we have said, gazed and listened. He saw Andre stretched on a reclining-chair, her face turned to-ward the glass door, that is to say, directly toward him. This door was slightly ajar.
    A small lamp with a deep shade was placed upon an adjoining table, which was covered with books, indicating the only species of recreation permitted to the invalid, and lighted only the lower part of Mile, de Taverney’s face. Sometimes, however, when she leaned back, so as to rest against the pillow of the inclining-chair, the light overspread her marble forehead, which was veiled in a lace cap.
     
    MEMOIRS OF A PHYSICIAN. 37
    Philip was sitting at the foot of her chair with his back toward Gilbert ; his arm was still in a sling, and all exercise of it was forbidden.
    It was the first time that Andre had been up, and the first time also that Philip had left his room. The young people, therefore, had not seen each other since that terrible night, but each knew that the other was recovering and hastening toward convalescence. They had only been together for a few moments, and were conversing without restraint, for they knew that even if any one should interrupt them, they would be warned by the noise of the bell attached to the door which Nicole had left open. But of course they were not aware of the circumstances of the door having been left open, and they calculated upon the bell.
    Gilbert saw and heard all, therefore ; for, through this open door, he could seize every word of their conversation.
    ” So now,” Philip was saying, just as Gilbert took his place behind a curtain hung loosely before the door of a dressing-room, ” so now you breathe more easily, my poor sister ? “
    ” Yes, more easily, but still with a slight pain.”
    ” And your strength ? “
    ” Returns but slowly ; nevertheless, I have been able to walk to the window two or three times to-day. How sweet the fresh air is ! how lovely the flowers ! It seems to me that, surrounded with air and flowers, it is impossible to die.”
    1 ‘ But still you are very weak ; are you not, Andre ? “
    ” Oh, yes, for the shock was a terrible one. Therefore,” continued the young girl, smiling and shaking her head, *’ I repeat that I walk with difficulty, and am obliged to lean on the tables and the projecting points of the wains-coting. Without this support my limbs bend under me, and I feel as if I should every moment fall.”
    ”Courage, Andre ! The fresh air and the beautiful flowers you spoke of just now, will cure you, and in a week you will be able to pay a visit to the dauphiness, who, I am informed, sends to inquire so kindly for you:”
     
    38 MEMOIRS OF A PHYSICIAN.
    ” Yes, I hope so, Philip ; for the danphiness, in truth, seems most kind to me.”
    And Andre, leaning back, put her hand upon her chest and closed her lovely eyes.
    Gilbert made a step forward with outstretched arms.
    ” You are in pain, my sister?” asked Philip, taking her hand.
    ” Yes ; at times I have slight spasms, and sometimes the blood mounts to my head, and my temples throb ; sometimes again I feel quite giddy, and my heart sinks within me.”
    ” Oh,” said Philip, dreamily, ” That is not surprising ; you have met with a dreadful trial, and your escape was almost miraculous.”
    ” Miraculous is, in truth, the proper term, brother.”
    ” But, speaking of your miraculous escape, Andre,” said Philip, approaching closer to his sister, to give more emphasis to the question, ” do you know I have never yet had an opportunity of speaking to you of this catastrophe ? “
    Andre blushed and seemed uneasy, but Philip did not remark