Such is the majesty of death, and the terror which accompanies it, that, in its presence, even the strongest and most sceptical bow their heads.
For a time, passions and interests are forgotten. Involuntarily we are drawn together, when some mutual friend breathes his last in our presence.
All the bystanders were deeply moved by this painful scene, this last confession, wrested so to say from the delirium.
And the last word uttered by Madame Gerdy, “assassin,” surprised no one.
All, excepting the nun, knew of the awful accusation which had been made against Albert.
To him they applied the unfortunate mother’s malediction.
Noel seemed quite broken hearted. Kneeling by the bedside of her who had been as a mother to him, he took one of her hands, and pressed it close to his lips.
“Dead!” he groaned, “she is dead!”
The nun and the priest knelt beside him, and repeated in a low voice the prayers for the dead.
They implored God to shed his peace and mercy on the departed soul.