human
Hold him, said the doctor,
gpt
You are the doctor, monsieur, are you not? he faltered.
human
Give me sufficient strength that I may go once more to the Grotto, this afternoon. I am certain that, if I am able to go, the Blessed Virgin will cure me.
gpt
Why, of course you shall go, replied the young man.
human
Don't you feel ever so much better?
gpt
Oh! ever so much better--no! I know very well what my condition is, because I saw many of our Brothers die, out there in Senegal. When the liver is attacked and the abscess has worked its way outside, it means the end. Sweating, fever, and delirium follow. But the Blessed Virgin will touch the sore with her little finger and it will be healed. Oh! I implore you all, take me to the Grotto, even if I should be unconscious!
human
Be easy, dear Brother, said she.
gpt
You shall go to the Grotto after /dejeuner/, and we will all pray for you.
human
I beg your pardon, Sister. You know that I am unfortunate enough not to be a believer.
gpt
Oh! that doesn't matter, she replied.
human
I know you; you're all the same a good fellow. Besides, we see so many people, we go amongst such pagans that it would be difficult to shock us.
gpt
To the Grotto--will you? To the Grotto!
human
You shall be taken there by-and-by, I promise you, said Sister Hyacinthe.
gpt
But you must be good. Try to sleep a little to gain some strength.