21/28 The Abbe Jelowicki had never left him. Hardly had he recovered the power of speech, than he requested him to recite with him the prayers and litanies for the dying. He was able to accompany the Abbe in an audible and intelligible voice. From this moment until his death, he held his head constantly supported upon the shoulder of M.Gutman, who, during the whole course of this sickness, had devoted his days and nights to him. The final agony commenced about two o'clock; a cold sweat ran profusely from his brow; after a short drowsiness, he asked, in a voice scarcely audible: "Who is near me ?" Being answered, he bent his head to kiss the hand of M.Gutman, who still supported it--while giving this last tender proof of love and gratitude, the soul of the artist left its fragile clay. |