Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/212

134 upon you, poor sinner. You will repent of your misdemeanours, and He will pardon you. If my prayers can do aught for your salvation they will not be wanting. They who have reared you are more guilty than you. Only have courage and hope. Try to be more calm, my poor child. It is necessary to heal the body; the soul is sick also, but I charge myself with its healing."

She arose as she said that, and folding a little roll of gold pieces:

"Take this," she said; "if you have a wish for anything"

And she slipped her little present under the pillow.

"No, madam," cried Arsène, impetuously thrusting the paper aside, "I wish nothing of you but what you have promised. Farewell, we shall never meet again. Have me taken to a hospital, that I may die without troubling any one. You would never be able to make anything of me. A great lady like you will have prayed for me; I am content. Farewell."

And turning herself as well as she was able, she hid her head in the pillow in order to see nothing more.

"Listen, Arsène," said Madame de Piennes in a serious tone. "I have plans concerning you.