I will do it gently." "Oh, I am not afraid of cold water, monsieur," replied the boy; "you may duck me." Then he was lowered into the bath in which the dead man had been dipped.
Madame Vigneron and Madame Chaise, who were not allowed to enter, had remained at the door on their knees, whilst the father, M.Vigneron, who was admitted into the dressing-room, went on making the sign of the cross.
Finding that his services were no longer required, Pierre now departed.
The sudden idea that three o'clock must have long since struck and that Marie must be waiting for him made him hasten his steps.

However, whilst he was endeavouring to pierce the crowd, he saw the girl arrive in her little conveyance, dragged along by Gerard, who had not ceased transporting sufferers to the piscina.

She had become impatient, suddenly filled with a conviction that she was at last in a frame of mind to find grace.

And at sight of Pierre she reproached him, saying, "What, my friend, did you forget me ?" He could find no answer, but watched her as she was taken into the piscina reserved for women, and then, in mortal sorrow, fell upon his knees.

It was there that he would wait for her, humbly kneeling, in order that he might take her back to the Grotto, cured without doubt and singing a hymn of praise.