air and travel as remedies, he was retained to accompany the timid patient
on a tour of some weeks; it but remained, therefore, for the new doctor to
continue his attendance at the Rue Fossette.
I often saw him when he came; for Madame would not trust the little in-
valid to Trinette, but required me to spend much of my time in the nursery. I
think he was skilful. Fifine recovered rapidly under his care, yet even her
convalescence did not hasten his dismissal. Destiny and Madame Beck
seemed in league, and both had ruled that he should make deliberate ac-
quaintance with the vestibule, the private staircase and upper chambers of
the Rue Fossette.
No sooner did Fifine emerge from his hands than Désirée declared herself
ill. That possessed child had a genius for simulation, and captivated by the
attentions and indulgences of a sick-room, she came to the conclusion that