“ Ca vaudra mieux ,” 36 said the doctor, turning from me to her.

He showed wisdom in his choice. Mine would have been feigned stoicism, forced fortitude. Hers was neither forced nor feigned.

“ Merci, Madame; très bien, fort bien! ” said the operator when he had finished. “ Voilà un sangfroid bien opportun, et qui vaut mille élans de sensibilité déplacée. ” 37