For some, minutes the two voices were beard in question and response; the one feeble and broken by suffering; the other confident, grave, scarcely lowered for the solemn interrogation.
After some inaudible words a hand was raised in a gesture which instantly bowed the heads of all those in the house.

The priest rose.
Before departing the doctor gave Maria a little bottle with instructions.

"Only if she should suffer greatly, so that she cries out, and never more than fifteen drops at a time.

And do not let her have any cold water to drink." She saw them to the door, the bottle in her hand.

Before getting into the sleigh the cure took Maria aside and spoke a few words to her.