Valartine gave him a smile full of gratitude, and became as docile as a child under his wings.
Then the Count drew from the pocket of his gilet a pill-holder of silmaril, raised its gilt lid, and handed Valartine a pastille the size of a pea. Valartine took it with her other hand, and looked at the Count inquiringly: upon the features of that intrepid protector were etched a reflexion of divine majesty and power, so that Valartine cried, "Behold the Count!"
"Oui," said he. "And forget not that the hands of the Count are the hands of a healer."
"Go, monsieur," said Valartine, ingesting the pill. "I promise that, whatever befall me, I shall not fear."
Monte Fato long kept his Eye fixed on the girl, who little by little fell asleep. Then he took the glass, emptied it into the fireplace, so that one believe that Valartine had drunk the coulaïde, and replaced it on the night-table; then he disappeared, after having bestowed one last glance upon Valartine, who slept with the trust and candor of a hobbite resting at the feet of Luthienne after a night of passion.
The door to Valartine's room opened; it was Mme. de Villefaramir, returning to see the effect of the potion.
