en he spoke to
the poor lunatics; who, however bereft of reason, seemed always to
listen with peculiar delight to his soft, soothing words, which
frequently had the effect of subduing the invariable irritability
attendant on this fearful complaint. M. Herbin had been among the first
to substitute, in his treatment of madness, sympathy and commiseration
for the frightful remedies ordinarily employed. He abandoned the
coercive system, so repugnant to every principle of humanity, for kind
words, conciliating looks, and a ready attention to every request that
could reasonably be granted. He banished chains, whips, drenching with
cold water, and even solitary confinement, except in cases of urgent
necessity.

"Monsieur," said Madame Georges, addressing the doctor, "I have ventured
hither with my son and daughter, although personally unknown to M.
Morel; but my interest in his unfortunate state made me desirous of
witnessing the experiment you are about to make to restore his reason.
You have every hope of succeeding, have you not?"

"I certainly reckon much, madame, on the good effects likely to be
produced by the sight of his daughter and the persons he has been in the
constant habit of seeing."

"When my husband was arrested," said Morel's wife, pointing to
Rigolette, "our kind young friend here was nursing me and my children."

"And my father knew M. Germain quite well," said Louise; then directing
the attention of M. Herbin to Alfred and Anastasie, she added, "Monsieur
and madame here were porters at the house, and assisted our family to
the utmost of their ability."

"I am greatly obliged to you, my worthy friend," said the doctor,
addressing Alfred, "for quitting your occupation to come hither; but I
see by your amiable countenance that you have cheerfully sacrificed your
time to visit your poor lodger here."

"Sir-r!" replied Pipelet, gravely bowing. "Men should help each other in
this sublunary world, and remember that all are brothers; added to which
your unfortunate patient was the very cream and essence of an honest
man, and therefore do I respect him."

"If you are not afraid, madame," said Doctor Herbin to Madame Georges,
"of the sight of the poor creatures here, we will cross some of the
yards leading to that part of the building where I have deemed it
advisable to remove Morel, instead of allowing him to accompany the
others to the farm as usual."

"The farm!" exclaimed Madame Georges. "Have you a fa