In an extravagant access of faith he raised his hands ever higher and higher, searching for heaven, calling on God.
"Oh no, I do not desire it! Oh, come to me, my God! Succor me; nay, let me die sooner! Oh no, not that man, my God! It is over; take me, carry me away, that I may not see, that I may not feel any longer! Oh, I belong to you, my God! Our Father which art in heaven--" And burning with faith, he continued his supplication, and an ardent prayer escaped from his lips.

But someone touched him on the shoulder.
He lifted his eyes; it was M.Venot.He was surprised to find him praying before that closed door.

Then as though God Himself had responded to his appeal, the count flung his arms round the little old gentleman's neck.

At last he could weep, and he burst out sobbing and repeated: "My brother, my brother." All his suffering humanity found comfort in that cry.

He drenched M.Venot's face with tears; he kissed him, uttering fragmentary ejaculations.
"Oh, my brother, how I am suffering! You only are left me, my brother.
Take me away forever--oh, for mercy's sake, take me away!" Then M.Venot pressed him to his bosom and called him "brother" also.
But he had a fresh blow in store for him.