In comparison with this obscure hero, Maurice felt himself
insignificant, mediocre, unworthy.
Good God! what if this comparison should arise in Marie-Anne's mind as
well? How could he compete with the memory of such nobility of soul and
heroic self-sacrifice?
Chanlouineau was mistaken; one, may, perhaps, be jealous of the dead!
But Maurice took good care to conceal this poignant anxiety and these
sorrowful thoughts, and during the days that followed, he presented
himself in Marie-Anne's room with a calm, even cheerful face.
For she, unfortunately, was not restored to health. She had recovered
the full possession of her mental faculties, but her strength had not
yet returned. She was still unable to sit up; and Maurice was forced to
relinquish all thought of quitting Saliente, though he felt the earth
burn beneath his feet.
This persistent weakness began to astonish the old nurse. Her faith in
herbs, gathered by the light of the moon, was considerably shaken.
Honest Bavois was the first to suggest the idea of consulting a
physician whom he had found in this land of savages.
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