And the crowd pressed into the passage, against the windows, and even into the room, repeating the same words. The confusion was extreme.
Seeing this, Coucou Peter wished to make his escape; for he had no confidence in the miracles of the doctrine, and was afraid of being stoned if his master did not cure the poor woman.
The illustrious philosopher, however, far from feeling any doubt, had such confidence in his mission, he at once said to himself that the Being of Beings had sent this unfortunate creature for the purpose of enabling him to give to the universe a shining proof of the truths of Anthropo-Zoology. Penetrated with this confidence, he rose and advanced towards Margredel, who watched his approach with wide-open eyes. The crowd made way for him, and Maître Frantz having arrived in front of the paralytic, looked at her with great tenderness, and said to her, in the midst of the most profound silence—
“Woman! have you confidence in the Being of Beings—in His infinite goodness?”
Raising her eyes to heaven, Margredel replied, in a feeble voice—
“God, who sees into all hearts, knows how truly I believe.”
“Well, then,” cried Mathéus, firmly, “faith has saved you! Rise up—you are cured!”
At these words, which came from his soul, all present trembled to the very marrow of their bones. Margredel felt an extraordinary strength pass into all her limbs; she made an effort—rose—and then fell upon her knees, weeping, at the feet of Mathéus.
“I am saved!” she cried; “I am saved!”
It was an affecting sight to see this poor woman at the good man’s feet, who, smiling kindly upon her, lifted her up and kissed her on her shrunken cheeks, saying—