Then the _cortege_ again descended the Avenue de la Grotte, again wended its way over the Plateau de la Merlasse, again crossed the Place du Rosaire, past an ever-growing crowd which shuddered and crossed itself amid all the joyousness of that splendid August day.

It was now the most glorious hour of a lovely afternoon.
When Marie was again installed in front of the Grotto she inquired if her father were coming.

"Yes," answered Pierre; "he is only taking a little rest." She waved her hand as though to say that he was acting rightly, and then in a sorely troubled voice she added: "Listen, Pierre; don't take me to the piscina for another hour.

I am not yet in a state to find favour from Heaven, I wish to pray, to keep on praying." After evincing such an ardent desire to come to Lourdes, terror was agitating her now that the moment for attempting the miracle was at hand.
In fact, she began to relate that she had been unable to eat anything, and a girl who overheard her at once approached saying: "If you feel too weak, my dear young lady, remember we have some broth here." Marie looked at her and recognised Raymonde.

Several young girls were in this wise employed at the Grotto to distribute cups of broth and milk among the sufferers.