Only this morning I again prayed to her for a rise, and, you see, she grants my prayer!" However, finding Madame Chaise's eyes fixed upon his own, and seeing Gustave smile, he realised that he ought not to exult in this fashion.
Each member of the family no doubt thought of his or her interests and prayed to the Blessed Virgin for such personal favours as might be desired.

And so, again putting on his good-natured air, he resumed: "I mean that the Blessed Virgin takes an interest in every one of us and will send us all home well satisfied.

Ah! the poor chief, I'm sorry for him.

I shall have to send my card to his widow." In spite of all his efforts he could not restrain his exultation, and no longer doubted that his most secret desires, those which he did not even confess to himself, would soon be gratified.

And so all honour was done to the apricot tarts, even Gustave being allowed to eat a portion of one.
"It is surprising," now remarked M.de Guersaint, who had just ordered a cup of coffee; "it is surprising that one doesn't see more sick people here.