As she continued to gaze on his features, she noticed that the muscles of his face twitched. Suddenly Delapine moved his fingers, which caused the bell to ring so loudly that it woke up all the household, and they all came running into the room attired in their dressing gowns, or the first garments that they could lay their hands on.
"What is the matter?" they all exclaimed. "Have any thieves got into the house?"
"Oh! no," said Renée, smiling, "it was Delapine who rang the bell. He moved his hands, I saw him do it, and immediately the bell sounded."
"Are you sure of this?" they all cried with one voice.
"As certain as that I am standing here," she replied.
They all looked at the professor, and distinctly observed the muscles of his face twitch.
"I think we will sit up to-night and watch him, what do you say to that, Riche?"
The doctor agreed, and accordingly they made themselves as comfortable as they could in a couple of armchairs.
The next morning they examined the thermometer. It had risen to 93° F. A faint flush suffused the professor's cheek, and a slight but distinct pulsation could be felt.