Page 137 (1/1)

"Then why don't you do it?" shouted the numismatist, who had completely lost his temper "I didn't come here to act at an ambulance; but, since I must, do you take his head"

I took his head, Madeleine walked in front, Jeanne behind My uncle's vast proportions swayed between M Charnot and s, looked like a hired pallbearer

As weupstairs, M Charnot said, with clenched teeth: "You've ratulate you sincerely!"

I saw that he intended to treat me to several variations on this theme

But there was no time for talk A moment later my uncle was laid, still unconscious, upon his bed, and Jeanne and Madeleine were preparing a ether, in perfect harmony M Charnot and I waited in silence for the doctor e had sent the office-boy to fetch M Charnot studied alternately e-blossolass in the centre of the chi of fruit and flowers for which it would have been hard to find a buyer at an auction Our wait for the doctor lasted ten long n of returning consciousness Gradually, however, the rean to act upon him The eyelids fluttered feebly; and just as the doctor opened the door, my uncle opened his eyes

We rushed to his bedside

"My old friend," said the doctor, "you have had plenty of people to look after you Let ue? Say a word or two"

"A shock--rather sudden--" saidthe direction of the invalid's eyes, which were fixed on Jeanne, upright at the foot of the bed, bowed to the young girl, whom he had not at first noticed; turned to ain atdown his cheeks

"Yes, I understand; a pretty stiff shock, eh? At our age we should only be stirred by our recollections, e we're used to; but our children take care to provide us with fresh ones, eh?"

M Mouillard's breast heaved

"Coive you leave to give your future niece one kiss, and that in my presence, that I may be quite sure you don't abuse the license After that you must be left quite alone; no more excitement, perfect rest"