Now it was obvious that all these perfections were not easily to be obtained in the provinces. The mind of Clovis had been much exercised in the matter, and he dreaded failure for himself and obloquy for the prophet. But Aglae was a treasure of resource. While her deft hands were rubbing the count's withered leg, the marquis was in an outer chamber to grumble _ad libitum_ on his beloved 'cello. The village band was to await the crisis, and then break forth into the baron's favourite air of Vive Henri Quatre. The effect was sure to be splendid, for country magnates--even of the _grande noblesse_--were of rougher grit than pampered city ones; and, in sober fact, the baron did not know a bassoon from a violin. But then there were unexpected difficulties, under which Clovis unaided would have succumbed. The bucket was there, and the marquis delivered a learned lecture on it to somewhat apprehensive lieges. They would be kind enough to remark that at the bottom of the tub was a substratum of rusty nails, covered with a layer of iron filings, over which was laid a set of bottles with necks radiating outward. Above them was another set of bottles with necks radiating inward. This was most important, for radiation was one of the secrets of the system. Cords of silk were attached all round with nooses, each for a patient's neck, and by these cords the vital fluid was to circulate to the patient and back again. Madame de Vaux was much scandalized. "On no account will I allow a rope around my husband's neck," she vowed emphatically. "The Baron de Vaux treated like a common felon! Never, while she could prevent it! Had not the low mob of the capital been stringing people to lamp-posts with ropes of late? Why the king allowed it she could not think; but he, no doubt, knew better than his subjects. The marquis ought to be ashamed of himself for proposing anything so improper and suggestive." Angelique considered the whole affair undignified, and was sorry that the village band should assist at such a spectacle. The rope was abandoned, and in its stead a long tube of glass was passed from the side of the tub to the right temple of the patient--a much more decorous proceeding where a live baron was concerned. Then the 'cello began to drone and the governess to rub, and by and by the old man's face began to twitch and his toothless gums to move. The baroness, much shocked at this derogation from accustomed dignity, vowed that it was impious, that the devil was at work, and that she ought to have provided a curt and a brush with holy water. The patient began to laugh, then cry; then shout, then mumble. All down his leg were prickings--such curious prickings. "Oh, Mother of Heaven! The prods of the arch-fiend," faintly gurgled the old lady. "Stuff and nonsense! Angelic punctures!"