The accident

- George! his sister exclaimed, throwing herself on the poor child’s lifeless body.
Blood ran from his head through a broad wound, but he still breathed and his heart beat slightly. Her hands shaking, Mrs. Marcey quickly bandaged the wound with her handkerchief. The servants, the winegrowers bustled about. With infinite precaution, they took the two children in their arms and carried them slowly towards the house. The mothers followed this sad procession, wondering whether all hope would not be lost the next minute.
Bad news travel fast. Mr. Guerin, who was making a round in the village, soon learned about the dreadful accident, and filled with anguish, hurried back home. In spite of his fears, he hoped that it had all been exaggerated; but at first glance he understood that he had been mistaken.
“Jean, he said to the servant, hitch up the phaeton, ride at full speed to Bois-d’Oingt and come back with the doctor, Mr. Castignac.”

Extract from Fortune good and bad, by E. d’Erwin, illustrated by H. Castelli, 1877.