But I have chosen a pearl. I know her well."
"It was you, then, who brought this nun?"
"Yes, and without your permission. Are you displeased?"
"Not the least in the world. Only I confess--"
"What! you make a grimace. Do your political opinions forbid your having
your mother, I should say Madame Gerdy, nursed by a nun of St. Vincent?"
"My dear Herve, you--"
"Ah! I know what you are going to say. They are adroit, insinuating,
dangerous, all that is quite true. If I had a rich old uncle whose heir
I expected to be, I shouldn't introduce one of them into his house.
These good creatures are sometimes charged with strange commissions.
But, what have you to fear from this one? Never mind what fools say.
Money aside, these worthy sisters are the best nurses in the world.
I hope you will have one when your end comes. But good-bye; I am in a
hurry."
And, regardless of his professional dignity, the doctor hurried down
the stairs; while Noel, full of thought, his countenance displaying the
greatest anxiety, returned to Madame Gerdy.
At the door of the sick-room, the nun awaited the advocate's return.
"Sir," said she, "sir."
"You want something of me, sister?"
"Sir, the servant bade me come to you for money; she has no more, and
had to get credit at the chemist's.
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