“I am too poor to do that, mademoiselle. Somebody told my mother that these academies of gymnas—gym—I don’t know what—are very expensive; and besides that, what good would they do me? for my uncle says I shall not live long.”
“Perhaps your uncle does not know any better than our doctor. But really, Jacques, have you not seen sometimes old people crooked and deformed? They have lived long, perhaps, those same old people.”
“But it is not at all likely that they were obliged to earn their living, mademoiselle.”
THE LITTLE CRIPPLE BOY.
“Poor Jacques!” exclaimed Emilie, in a tone of compassion. “You listen to me. When I am married, and have lots [!-- Illustration - THE LITTLE CRIPPLE BOY --] of money, I promise you that it will give me pleasure to make any sacrifice to pay for your being cured.”
“Ah, I shall be too old then, or dead—who knows?”
“What can be done?” she exclaimed, tapping the toe of her boot on the ground with an air of vexation.
Then seeing an elderly lady come into the court, she ran to meet her, exclaiming,—
“My dear friend, allow Jacques to go with us to the Amoros gymnasium. You gave me one ticket. Say, will you give me two?”