would
scarcely be able to move an arm, and I asked myself, gleefully, what
sort of a scene would take place between these antagonists, what
explanation would be given? and what would be the issue of the situation
which my uncle's indignation would render more tragic still?

I laughed till I had to hold my sides, and said to myself, half aloud:
"Oh! what a joke, what a joke!"

Meanwhile it was getting very cold, and I noticed that the Jesuit stayed
a long time, and thought: "They are having an explanation, I suppose."

One, two, three hours passed, and still the reverend Father did not come
out. What had happened? Had my uncle died in a fit when he saw him, or
had he killed the cassocked gentleman? Perhaps they had mutually
devoured each other? This last supposition appeared very unlikely, for
I fancied that my uncle was quite incapable of swallowing a grain more
nourishment at that moment.

At last the day broke.

I was very uneasy, and, not venturing to go into the house myself, I
went to one of my friends who lived opposite. I knocked him up,
explained matters to him, much to his amusement and astonishment, and
took possession of his window.

At nine o'clock he relieved me, and I got a little sleep. At two o'clock
I, in my turn, replaced him. We were utterly astonished.

At six o'clock the Jesuit left, with a very happy and satisfied look on
his face, and we saw him go away with a quiet step.

Then, timid and ashamed, I went and knocked at my uncle's door; and when
the servant opened it I did not dare to ask her any questions, but went
upstairs without saying a word.

My uncle was lying pale, exhausted, with weary, sorrowful eyes and heavy
arms, on his bed. A little religious picture was fastened to one of the
bed-curtains with a pin.

"Why, uncle," I said, "you in bed still? Are you not well?"

He replied in a feeble voice:

"Oh! my dear boy, I have been very ill, nearly dead."

"How was that, uncle?"

"I don't know; it was most surprising. But, what is stranger still is,
that the Jesuit priest who has just left--you know, that excellent man
whom I have made such fun of--had a divine revelation of my state, and
came to see me."

I was seized with an almost uncontrollable desire to laugh, and with
difficulty said: "Oh, really!"

"Yes, he came. He heard a Voice telling him to get up and come to me,
because I was going to die. It was a revelation."

I pretended to sneeze, so as not to burst out lau