other!" inquired Germain, "what ails you? Are you ill?"

"Nothing, my son; but the sudden movement made by that man terrified me.
Indeed, sir," continued she, addressing the doctor, "I begin to feel
sorry I allowed my curiosity to bring me hither."

"Nay, dear mother, just for once to see such a place cannot hurt you!"

"I tell you what, Germain," interposed Rigolette, "I don't feel very
comfortable myself; and I promise you neither your mother nor I will
desire to come here again--it is too affecting!"

"Nonsense! You are a little coward! Is she not, M. le Docteur?"

"Why, really," answered M. Herbin, "I must confess that the sight of
this blind lunatic affects even me, who am accustomed to such things."

"What a scarecrow, old ducky! Isn't he?" whispered Anastasie; "but, la!
to my eyes every man looks as hideous as this dreadful blind creature in
comparison with you, and that is why no one can ever boast of my having
granted him the least liberty,--don't you see, Alfred?"

"I tell you what, Anastasie," replied Pipelet, "I shall dream of this
frightful figure. I know he will give me an attack of nightmare. I
won't eat tripe for supper till I have quite forgot him."

"And how do you find yourself now, friend?" asked the doctor of the
Schoolmaster; but he asked in vain, no attempt was made to reply. "Come,
come!" continued the doctor, tapping him lightly on the shoulder, "I am
sure you hear what I say; try to make me a sign at least, or
speak,--something tells me you can if you will!"

But the only answer made to this address was by the Schoolmaster
suddenly drooping his head, while from the sightless eyes rolled a tear.

"He weeps!" exclaimed the doctor.

"Poor creature!" murmured Germain, in a compassionate tone.

The Schoolmaster shuddered; again he heard the voice of his son,
breathing forth commiseration for his wretched, though unknown parent.

"What is the matter?" inquired the doctor; "what is it grieves you?"

But, without taking any notice of him, the Schoolmaster hid his face
with his hands.

"We shall make nothing of him," said the doctor. Then, perceiving how
painfully this scene appeared to affect Madame Georges, he added, "Now,
then, madame, we will go to Morel, and, if my expectations are
fulfilled, you will be amply rewarded for the pain you have felt
hitherto, in witnessing the joy of so good a husband and father in being
restored to his family."

With these words the doctor, followed b