"Yes, monsieur."
"Please let me have it, madame."
Mignonne gave me a small iron spoon, and a cup containing the sedative draught ordered by the doctor. I filled the spoon and offered it to the child, who refused to take it; but I succeeded in partly opening her gums for an instant with my left hand, and poured the contents of the spoon into her mouth. The little one cried bitterly; but she had swallowed a few drops of the potion, and that was all I wanted.
Mignonne watched me in amazement, almost in terror; for a moment she was afraid that I would hurt the child. But she soon calmed down, and seemed pleased with the result I had obtained.
"You saw how I did it," I said; "you must act in the same way, when you want her to take a little of the medicine."
"Oh! monsieur, I don't know whether I can; I don't know whether I can be as quick as you; and then I shall be afraid of hurting the dear angel."
"That is true. And see, look at her, monsieur; it seems as if she were breathing better! Oh! if that really has done her good!"
"It is more than likely."
"Oh! monsieur, if you would stay a little longer, and give her some more by and by?"