Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/233

 said that, he went away with measured steps, as he had come; but at the foot of the staircase the box came into his mind, and, pressed with questions, dame Catherine showed him an old chest in which reposed some garments of her departed husband. The doctor sounded the chest with his foot and went out, repeating, "We shall see."

"When the good widow went back to the little chamber, Salvator began to give some signs of life. The young girls had come stealthily back, and stood, like two guardian angels, at his bedside. There was a delicious poetry in the joy of this poor family, when the pale face of the artist appeared to grow animated under the rays of the rising sun.

Mother, said the young girls in a low voice, "God will save our good friend Salvator; why then has this ugly doctor, whose face is repulsive, and whose words are fearful, been called?"

"Silence, young people," answered Catherine, "it is fortunate for us that the wise Splendiano has not disdained to come to our humble dwelling, for he is the fashionable physician amongst great lords; and if, thanks to him, master Salvator recovers his health, he will paint some fine picture to pay him for it; Splendiano is a generous man who treats artists like brothers."

"When he does not bury them!" said the young girls, softly; and their eyes sought again on the features of the painter the first indications of his awaking from this fatal fainting fit. When Salvator opened his eyes, an almost imperceptible smile of affectionate gratitude to the good hearts that had not abandoned him, lightly contracted his lips; he was, perhaps, about to speak, but a delicate white hand was placed upon his mouth, whilst a sweet voice said softly to him, "Hope and courage!"

Some minutes afterwards, Splendiano re-appeared, loaded with several phials filled with a detestable drug, which he prescribed to be administered to his patient; but either the 20