He closed it and sat down, letting the darkness submerge him with its flood of infinite sadness.

And his despairing reverie only ceased when the door gently opened and the glow of a lamp enlivened the room.
It was Victorine who came in quietly, bringing the light.

"Ah! so you are up, Monsieur l'Abbe," said she; "I came in at about four o'clock but I let you sleep on.

You have done quite right to take all the rest you required." Then, as he complained of pains and shivering, she became anxious.

"Don't go catching their nasty fevers," she said.