And, even when she was silent, her presence was a pleasant change for the hunchback; he heard the clinking of her long knitting-needles; he saw her mild and mournful profile, which reminded him of so many courageously-borne trials; he could every now and then rest his hand affectionately on that bowed neck, and exchange a smile with her! This comfort was soon to be taken from him.

His old mother fell sick, and at the end of a few days he had to give up all hope.

Maurice was overcome at the idea of a separation which would henceforth leave him alone on earth, and abandoned himself to boundless grief.

He knelt by the bedside of the dying woman, he called her by the fondest names, he pressed her in his arms, as if he could so keep her in life.

His mother tried to return his caresses, and to answer him; but her hands were cold, her voice was already gone.