“‘My child, would you like to have me consecrate you to the Blessed Virgin?’
“‘Indeed I would,’ answered he.
“The priest immediately proceeded with the very simple ceremony, and recited over my child the sacred formulas.
“‘Now,’ said Jules, in a tone which impressed me by its perfect confidence, ‘I am going to be cured.’
“We went to the Grotto. Jules knelt before the statue and prayed. I looked at him, and can still see the expression of his face, his attitude, and his joined hands.
“He rose, and we went to the fountain.
“It was a terrible moment.
“He bathed his neck and chest. Then he took the glass and drank several mouthfuls of the miraculous water.
“He was calm and happy, gay in fact, and radiant with confidence.
“For my part, I trembled and almost fainted at this last trial. But I restrained my emotion, though with difficulty. I did not want to let him see my doubt.