"At any rate, we shall have a splendid post-mortem," said one of his opponents, "and there will be two cases to enable us to make comparisons."
Lisbeth went in again with Bianchon, who went up to the sick woman without seeming aware of the malodorous atmosphere.
"Madame," said he, "we intend to try a powerful remedy which may save you—"
"And if you save my life," said she, "shall I be as good-looking as ever?"
"Possibly," said the judicious physician.
"I know your possibly," said Valerie. "I shall look like a woman who has fallen into the fire! No, leave me to the Church. I can please no one now but God. I will try to be reconciled to Him, and that will be my last flirtation; yes, I must try to come round God!"
"That is my poor Valerie's last jest; that is all herself!" said Lisbeth in tears.
Lisbeth thought it her duty to go into Crevel's room, where she found Victorin and his wife sitting about a yard away from the stricken man's bed.
"Lisbeth," said he, "they will not tell me what state my wife is in; you have just seen her—how is she?"
"She is better; she says she is saved," replied Lisbeth, allowing herself this play on the word to soothe Crevel's mind.