“At Tarbes, at the Hôtel Dupont, where we put up, every one noticed the poor child, so pale and wasted, and yet with such a sweet and attractive expression. I mentioned at the hotel the object of our journey, and in the good wishes and prayers which these good people made for us there seemed to be a presentiment of success. And when we set out, I saw plainly that they would await our return with impatience. “Notwithstanding my doubts, I took with me a small box of biscuits. “When we arrived at the crypt above the Grotto, Mass was being said. Jules prayed with a faith which shone out in all his features, with a truly celestial ardor. “The priest noticed his fervor, and when he had left the altar, he came out of the sacristy almost immediately, and approached us. A good idea had occurred to him on seeing the poor little one. He proposed it to me, and, turning to Jules, who was still on his knees, said: “‘My child, would you like to have me consecrate you to the Blessed Virgin?’ “‘Indeed I would,’ answered he. “The priest immediately proceeded with the very simple ceremony, and recited over my child the sacred formulas. “‘Now,’ said Jules, in a tone which impressed me by its perfect confidence, ‘I am going to be cured.’ “We went to the Grotto. Jules knelt before the statue and prayed. I looked at him, and can still see the expression of his face, his attitude, and his joined hands. “He rose, and we went to the fountain. “It was a terrible moment. “He bathed his neck and chest. Then he took the glass and drank several mouthfuls of the miraculous water. “He was calm and happy, gay in fact, and radiant with confidence. “For my part, I trembled and almost fainted at this last trial. But I restrained my emotion, though with difficulty. I did not want to let him see my doubt. “‘Try now to eat,’ said I, handing him a biscuit. “He took it, and I turned away my head, not feeling able to look at him. It was, in fact, the question of the life or death of my child which was to be decided. In putting this question, such a fearful one for a father’s heart, I was playing, as it were, my last card. If I failed, my dear boy would have to die. This test was a decisive one, and I could not see it tried. “But I was soon relieved of my agony. “Jules’s voice, joyous and sweet, called me: “‘Papa! I have swallowed it. I can eat, I knew I could--I had faith!’ “What a surprise it was! My child, who had been at death’s door, was saved, and that instantly. And I, his father, was a witness to this astonishing resurrection. “But, that I might not disturb the faith of my son, I checked any appearance of astonishment. “‘Yes, Jules, it was certain, and could not have been otherwise,’ said 106 I, in a voice which I made calm by great effort. “There was in my breast, however, a whirlwind of excitement. If it could have been opened, it would have been found burning as if full of fire.