Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/252

174 ing herself to Max she told him that he would do better to read aloud for a time, rather than tire Arsène with his questions. Max seized a book with alacrity and seated himself near the window, for the light in the room was a little dim. He read without much comprehension. Doubtless Arsène did not comprehend any more, but she had the air of listening with a lively interest. Madame de Piennes worked at a piece of embroidery which she had brought, the nurse pinched herself to avoid falling asleep. The eyes of Madame de Piennes wandered incessantly from the bed to the window, never did Argus keep so good a watch with his hundred eyes. At the end of a few minutes she leaned toward the ear of Arsène:

"How well he reads!" she whispered.

Arsène gave her a look which contrasted strangely with the smile upon her lips:

"Oh! yes," she replied.

Then her eyes drooped, and a great tear would appear from time to time upon her lashes and roll down her cheeks without her heeding it. Max did not once turn his head. After he had read a few pages Madame de Piennes said to Arsène.

"We are going to let you rest, my child. I