Now all at once he spoke.
"One must go to Ambroise's to warn my mother and father. Since he still
breathes, perhaps they will arrive soon enough to embrace him."
"Shall I go to fetch them?" Beauchene good-naturedly inquired.
"No, no! thanks. I did at first think of asking that service of you, but
I have reflected. Nobody but myself can break this horrible news to
mamma. And nothing must be done as yet with regard to Charlotte. We will
see about that by and by, when I come back. I only hope that death will
have a little patience, so that I may find my poor brother still alive."
He leant forward and kissed Blaise, who with his eyes closed remained
motionless, still breathing faintly. Then distractedly Denis printed
another kiss upon his hand and hurried off.
Constance meantime was busying herself, calling the maid, and requesting
her to bring some warm water in order that they might wash the sufferer's
blood-stained brow. It was impossible to think of taking off his jacket;
they had to content themselves with doing the little they could to
improve his appearance pending the arrival of the doctor. And during
these preparations, Beauchene, haunted, worried by the accident, again
began to speak of it.
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