"We have a friend still more zealous and active than our enemy; believe
me, your depression is really caused by his absence; we all miss the
contact of that young heroic spirit; we are a body, and he its soul."

Josephine was silent, for she said to herself, "Why should I dash their
spirits? they are so happy and confident."

Edouard had animated Rose and Aubertin with his own courage, and had
even revived the baroness.

It had been agreed between him and Picard that the latter should
communicate with Dr. Aubertin direct, should anything fresh occur. And
on the third day after Edouard's departure, Picard sent up a private
message: "Perrin has just sent me a line to say he will not trouble us,
as he is offered the money in another quarter."

This was a heavy blow, and sent them all to bed more or less despondent.

The next day brought a long letter from Edouard to Rose, telling her he
had found his uncle crusty at first; but at last with a little patience,
and the co-operation of Martha, his uncle's old servant, and his nurse,
the old boy had come round. They might look on the affair as all but
settled.

The contents of this letter were conveyed to the baroness. The house
brightened under it: the more so that there was some hope of their
successful champion returning in person next day. Meantime Perrin had
applied to Raynal for the immediate loan of a large sum of money on
excellent security. Raynal refused plump. Perrin rode away disconsolate.