"I have always believed, madame, whenever I have stood beside a man or woman whom the doctors had given over, that they might still recover, for I believe more in God than in man; I have more faith in divine Providence than in human skill, and I do not think that we know as yet all the resources of nature. But when the sufferer is a child, a creature so fresh and new in life, to despair of its recovery seems to me rank blasphemy; because in that young plant, just born, there must be the sap of youth and strength and maturity. Children become very ill in a very short time, and recover their health as quickly; their eyes, sad and haggard to-night, will laugh again to-morrow; often nothing more than a ray of sunshine is needed to effect that happy change." "Ah! monsieur, you restore my courage!" "You must never lose it when you are nursing a sick person. I suppose that you have a doctor?" "Yes, monsieur; but he doesn't come often. He doesn't say much of anything. But I hope he'll come to-day; I expect him." "Would you like me to send another one?" "Oh! no, monsieur; I have confidence enough in this one." "Adieu, madame! Don't grieve, don't fatigue yourself too much; remember that you must retain your own health in order to nurse your child. With your permission, I will call again to inquire for little Marie." "Yes, monsieur." I stepped forward and kissed the child on the forehead; her eyes fastened upon me in evident amazement. Mignonne, too, looked closely at me when I kissed her little one. But she made no objection, and responded sadly to my salutation as I left the room. I went downstairs, and found the concierge watching for me, combing one of her cats the while. "Well, monsieur, did you see my tenant and her little sick girl?" "Yes, madame; I did my best to revive hope in Mignonne's heart. Her child is not well, still I think she isn't in danger. What does the doctor say?" "_Dame!_ the doctor shakes his head; he always says when he goes away: 'We shall see.'" "He doesn't compromise himself. Meanwhile, take this money, Madame Potrelle, and see to it that the young woman and her child want nothing." "Oh! how kind you are, monsieur! But all this money---- Why, how much have you given me? A hundred and fifty francs!" "That's an advance on the work Mignonne is going to do for me." "An advance! But she'll never take such a sum of money, monsieur!" "That is why I give it to you. Pay for the medicines; there's no need of Mignonne's knowing anything about it." "But, monsieur, suppose she should ask me how I got it?" "Arrange it to suit yourself, Madame Potrelle; say that the druggist doesn't charge anything for medicines furnished to sick people who live under the eaves; lie, if necessary: there are cases where lying is no sin. And when this is gone, come to me at once and get more--without saying anything to Mignonne."