ith woke up dazed, she found that it was already midday outside. The long rest had relieved the always healthy girl of most of her illness, though she still felt a bit feeble.

"You''re awake? Edith!" an urgent male voice came, and she saw Andre crouching by her bedside.

"Andre! How long have you been here?" Edith was a bit shy, pulling the quilt up.

"Citizeness Margot let me in," he seemed to want to bend down to kiss her immediately, but held back due to concern for her discomfort.

She noticed the redness around his eyes. It seemed he had spent a sleepless night.

"I have never been so fearful!" he clutched her slender hands tightly, as if afraid that they would crumble like sand if he let go. His voice choked with emotion, "How much you must need me then! But I wasn''t there for you!"

It was then that the girl remembered the horrific event. "What about Charlene? Where is she?" she immediately asked.

"Citizeness Saint-Clemont injured her legs. She has to rest in bed as well," he replied.

"I need to go see her," Edith said, trying to sit up from the bed.

Andre quickly pushed her back down, "No, Citizeness Saint-Clemont specifically instructed for you to have a good rest."

"But I''m so worried about her! Charlene got hurt trying to save me. Anyway I have to go see her," Edith hesitated.

Andre smiled resignedly, explaining to her, "Your cousin and aunt both have already gone to visit her. When Citizeness Saint-Clemont woke up, her first words were also to inquire about your condition. When