Luc was taken ill.

For four days, all alone, he lay burning with fever and inflammation, and when Parpon found him he was almost dead.

Then began a fight for life again, in which Parpon was the only physician; for Pomfrette would not allow the Little Chemist or a doctor near him.

Parpon at last gave up hope; but one night, when he came back from the village, he saw, to his joy, old Mme.

Degardy ("Crazy Joan" she was called) sitting by Pomfrette's bedside.