--I have only time to
make my peace with God!"
"She is wandering in her wits," said Lisbeth to herself, as she left
the room.
The strongest affection known, that of a woman for a woman, had not
such heroic constancy as the Church. Lisbeth, stifled by the miasma,
went away. She found the physicians still in consultation. But
Bianchon's opinion carried the day, and the only question now was how
to try the remedies.
"At any rate, we shall have a splendid _post-mortem_," said one of his
opponents, "and there will be two cases to enable us to make
comparisons."
Lisbeth went in again with Bianchon, who went up to the sick woman
without seeming aware of the malodorous atmosphere.
"Madame," said he, "we intend to try a powerful remedy which may save
you--"
"And if you save my life," said she, "shall I be as good-looking as
ever?"
"Possibly," said the judicious physician.
"I know your _possibly_," said Valerie. "I shall look like a woman who
has fallen into the fire! No, leave me to the Church. I can please no
one now but God. I will try to be reconciled to Him, and that will be
my last flirtation; yes, I must try to come round God!"
"That is my poor Valerie's last jest; that is all herself!" said
Lisbeth in tears.
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