And thus it was almost like a respite when she suddenly perceived Abbe Froment sitting and waiting for her on a settee, covered with red velvet, near her stall.

Her legs were failing her, so she took a place beside him.
"You received my letter then, Monsieur l'Abbe.

I am glad that you have come, for I have some good news to give you, and wished to leave you the pleasure of imparting it to your _protege_, that man Laveuve, whom you so warmly recommended to me.

Every formality has now been fulfilled, and you can bring him to the asylum to-morrow." Pierre gazed at her in stupefaction.

"Laveuve?
Why, he is dead!" In her turn she became astonished.