She pushed him back with her stick contemptuously, looked Valmond over, ran her fingers down his cheek, felt his throat, and at last held his restless hand.

Elise, with the quick intelligence of love, stood ready.

The old woman caught the jug from her, swung it into the hollow of her arm, poured the cup half full, and motioned the girl to lift up Valmond's head.

Elise raised it to her bosom, leaning her face down close to his.

Madame Degardy instantly pushed back her head.
"Don't get his breath--that's death, idiot!" she said, and began to pour the liquid into Valmond's mouth very slowly.