Look compassionately upon him, oh gentle King and
Master of all such children!--and even as Thou wert a child Thyself,
be pleased to heal him of his sad infirmity. For, if Thou wilt, Thou
canst make this bent body straight and these withered muscles
strong,--from death itself Thou canst ordain life, and nothing is
impossible to Thee! But above all things, gracious Saviour, we do
pray Thee so to lift and strengthen this child's soul, that if it is
destined he should still be called upon to bear his present pain and
trouble, grant to him such perfection in his inward spirit that he
may prove worthy to be counted among Thy angels in the bright
Hereafter. To Thy care, and to Thy comfort, and to Thy healing,
great Master, we commend him, trusting him entirely to Thy mercy,
with perfect resignation to Thy Divine Will. For the sake and memory
of Thy most holy childhood mercifully help and bless this child!
Amen!"
A deep silence ensued. Only the slow ticking of the big old-
fashioned clock in Madame Patoux's kitchen, which was next door to
the room they were all in, could be distinctly heard. Henri and
Babette were the first to stir. They got up from their knees,
brushed the dust of the floor from their clothes, and stared
curiously at Fabien.
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