Manuel took his
hand and pressed it encouragingly.
"Do not cry!" he said gently--"Believe in what I say--that you will
soon be quite well. The Cardinal has prayed for you as only good men
CAN pray,--without one selfish thought, in faith and deep humility,-
-such prayers draw angels down! Be patient--be brave! Believe in the
best and the best will come!"
His words rang out with a sweet convincing clearness, and even
Cardinal Bonpre felt a sense of comfort as he listened. The little
cripple smiled through his tears.
"Oh, yes," he murmured--"I WILL hope and I WILL believe! I am always
sure God is near us, though my mother thinks He must be very far
away. Yes,--I will be as brave as I can. You are very good to me,--I
know you understand just how I feel, and I thank you very much. I
hope you will be happy yourself some day. Good-bye!" Then, turning
to Henri and Babette he asked, "Shall we go now?"
Henri's brows were drawn together in a dark frown.
"I suppose so," he replied--"I suppose there's nothing more to be
done?" This, with a somewhat sarcastic air of inquiry directed at
the Cardinal, who met his bold bright glance, mildly and half
compassionately.
"Nothing more my child"--he answered--"Did you expect a miracle? I
told you from the first that I was no saint,--I can do no good
unless our Lord wills it.
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