Mignonne gave me a small iron spoon, and a cup containing the sedative draught ordered by the doctor. I filled the spoon and offered it to the child, who refused to take it; but I succeeded in partly opening her gums for an instant with my left hand, and poured the contents of the spoon into her mouth. The little one cried bitterly; but she had swallowed a few drops of the potion, and that was all I wanted. Mignonne watched me in amazement, almost in terror; for a moment she was afraid that I would hurt the child. But she soon calmed down, and seemed pleased with the result I had obtained. "You saw how I did it," I said; "you must act in the same way, when you want her to take a little of the medicine." "Oh! monsieur, I don't know whether I can; I don't know whether I can be as quick as you; and then I shall be afraid of hurting the dear angel." "I did not hurt her." "That is true. And see, look at her, monsieur; it seems as if she were breathing better! Oh! if that really has done her good!" "It is more than likely." "Oh! monsieur, if you would stay a little longer, and give her some more by and by?" "I will gladly do it, madame." "I am abusing your good nature, monsieur; but I'm afraid I can't do it as well as you." "I am in no hurry, madame; my time is at my own disposal. I have often made a bad use of it, and I will try to atone partly, here with you." The child seemed to be dozing, and I did not disturb her. But, after half an hour or more, when she began to be uneasy again, I repeated my manoeuvre and made her swallow another half-spoonful of the potion. I remained some time longer talking with Mignonne, doing my utmost to restore her courage and hope. Then I went away, saying: "Until to-morrow!" The next day, I went again to see the little invalid, and passed a large part of the day with Mignonne; for my conversation served to revive her courage, and she thought that no one could succeed so well as I in making the child drink. Little Marie's condition showed a slight change for the better. The doctor was greatly surprised, and the mother's hopes revived. It seemed to me that I too loved the poor little girl. One becomes attached to children so easily! A week elapsed; I had not allowed a day to go by without passing several hours in Mignonne's room. I thought that she still retained some suspicion of my intentions; but, as she considered that I understood taking care of children, she said to me each day when I left her: "It would be so kind of you, if you would come to-morrow!" I had not called on Frédérique again, nor had I seen Rosette. What must they think of me? But on returning home one afternoon, about four o'clock, I found both my friend and my mistress established in my salon. I saw at once, by the expression of their faces, that they were angry with me.