It was Marie, lying in her wooden box, which Pierre, with Gerard's assistance, had just brought up-stairs.

The last to start from the railway station, she had secured admission before the others, thanks to the endless complications which, after keeping them all in suspense, now freed them according to the chance distribution of the admission cards.

M.de Guersaint had quitted his daughter at the hospital door by her own desire; for, fearing the hotels would be very full, she had wished him to secure two rooms for himself and Pierre at once.

Then, on reaching the ward, she felt so weary that, after venting her chagrin at not being immediately taken to the Grotto, she consented to be laid on a bed for a short time.
"Come, my child," repeated Madame de Jonquiere, "you have three hours before you.

We will put you to bed.