The poor darling was so much in need of care and attention.

At each moment they feared that they might lose him.

Even his father was of opinion that they had better put him in the train again at once.

And as the two women went off with the child, the old gentleman once more turned towards Pierre, and with evident emotion exclaimed: "Ah! Monsieur l'Abbe, if God should take him from us, the light of our life would be extinguished--I don't speak of his aunt's fortune, which would go to other nephews.

But it would be unnatural, would it not, that he should go off before her, especially as she is so ill?
However, we are all in the hands of Providence, and place our reliance in the Blessed Virgin, who will assuredly perform a miracle." Just then Madame de Jonquiere, having been reassured by Doctor Ferrand, was able to leave La Grivotte.