"What!" said Villebois, "Do you mean to say that it will injure M. Delapine?"
"Indeed it will," she replied, "but I cannot tell you the reason."
"Oh, my dear husband," she said, "promise me that you will be kind to my little Renée. Your conduct to her since I passed over has caused me such intense grief."
"I promise," said Payot, feeling heartily ashamed of himself.
"May I take a photograph with a flashlight?" enquired Riche.
"You may, but you will not see me any more, for it will cause my form to melt away. As it is, I can only stay a few minutes."
"Oh, mother dear," said Renée, "give me a kiss—just one kiss before you leave me."
"Do not be anxious, Renée. I shall see you again very soon. And now, sir, you may take my photograph as I am about to be called away."
Riche, having focused the camera, pressed the ball, and a dazzling light followed as the magnesium powder blazed up.