Page:Live and Let Live.djvu/207

Rh smiles! he certainly does smile!" The violent motion, the fresh air, and the moral excitement of the voice of that friend, whom the little fellow loved better than anything else on earth, roused the energies of nature. The desired physical effect followed; there was a free ejection from the stomach, and in half an hour the physician pronounced him safe. "That's right!" said Mr. Hartell to Eugene, who, resting his drooping head on Lucy's bosom, kept one arm fast round her neck; "that's right! cling to her, she has saved your life; God for ever bless her. How dared you," he added, turning to his wife, who had been as immoveable and as impotent as a statue, "how dared you neglect the warning she gave you? You had every reason to confide in her, and none in that she-devil!" Mrs. Hartell began, in her own justification, and finished, in spite of her husband's repeated exclamations, the story of the theft.

"A damnable contrivance!" cried Hartell, "a diabolical lie! I am sure of it. Here!" he continued, dragging Adéle forth from the corner into which she had slunk, "stand before this innocent girl, and as ye hope for any mercy from me, tell the whole truth."

"Oh monsieur! oh madame!" said Adéle, falling on her knees, "je suis coupable, mais si malheureuse. I am guilty, but so wretched!"

"None of your French jabber; speak English, so that Lucy can understand every word you say. God bless him! he's putting his lips up to kiss you, Lucy."

Adéle rolled up her eyes, made a deprecating