Before losing consciousness, her last words, scarcely murmured, were understood by Hubertine, as in hesitating sentences she expressed her wish for the holy oils.

"Yes--oh yes!--as quickly--as possible--before it is too late." But death advanced.

They had waited until day, and the Abbe, having been notified, was about to come.
Everything was now ready to receive the clergyman.

The Huberts had just finished arranging the room.

Under the gay sunlight, which at this early morning hour struck fully upon the window-panes, it looked pure as the dawn in the nudity of its great white walls.