If any one calls, show them into my study, and let me know." On entering Madame Gerdy's chamber, Noel saw at a glance that no change for the better had taken place during his absence.

With fixed eyes and convulsed features, the sick woman lay extended upon her back.

She seemed dead, save for the sudden starts, which shook her at intervals, and disarranged the bedclothes.
Above her head was placed a little vessel, filled with ice water, which fell drop by drop upon her forehead, covered with large bluish spots.
The table and mantel-piece were covered with little pots, medicine bottles, and half-emptied glasses.

At the foot of the bed, a piece of rag stained with blood showed that the doctor had just had recourse to leeches.
Near the fireplace, where was blazing a large fire, a nun of the order of St.Vincent de Paul was kneeling, watching a saucepan.

She was a young woman, with a face whiter than her cap.