“Favourable, yes. But even....”
“Can we not help nature?“ said Pepa.
“Nature does not require our aid at present.”
“But—is it possible...?”
“I can say nothing, nothing.”
“And it is still going on?”
“Yes, so far....”
“Oh, my darling! She will live....”
Behind the chair on which Pepa was sitting hung a picture of the Virgin with two tapers burning in front of it. Pepa started up, flung herself on her knees and kissed the very ground before it. For a few minutes she remained sobbing violently with her face buried in the carpet. Certain that she could not overhear him Moreno whispered low in Leon’s ear:
“If expectoration continues to any favourable extent it is possible that she may be saved; but for four chances in her favour there are ninety-six against her.—So say nothing to the mother....”