"How many have you prepared?" said the doctor.
"Six, sir."
"Four will do, but it is well to be fully provided. The cotton is not too thick?"
"Look, sir."
"Very good."
"And how is the reverend father?" asked the pupil.
"Humph!" answered the doctor, in a whisper. "The chest is terribly clogged, the respiration hissing, the voice gone—still there is a change."
"All my fear is, sir, that the reverend father will not be able to stand the dreadful pain."
"It is another chance; but, under the circumstances, we must risk all.
Come, my dear boy, light the—taper; I hear our assistants."
Just then Father d'Aigrigny entered the room, accompanied by the three Jesuits, who, in the morning, had walked in the garden. The two old men, with their rosy cheeks, and the young one, with the ascetic countenance, all three dressed in black, with their square caps and white bands, appeared perfectly ready to assist Dr. Baleinier in his formidable operation.