Fermont as my daughter. I forbid you to approach her; I will have her
immediately removed hence."

"But, my dear friend, it is a case of slow nervous fever, very rare. I wish
to try phosphorus. It is a unique occasion. Promise me at least that I
shall take care of her. What matters it where you take her, since you
deprive my clinique of a _subject_ so precious?"

"If you were not mad, you would be a monster," answered the Count de Saint
Remy.

Clemence listened to these words with increasing anguish; but the crowd was
so dense that the director was obliged to say in a loud voice: "Make room,
gentlemen, if you please--make room for her ladyship, the most noble the
Marchioness d'Harville, who comes to see No. 17."

At these words the students fell back with as much eagerness as respectful
admiration, on seeing the charming face of Clemence, to which emotion had
given a most lively color.

"Madame d'Harville," cried the Count de Saint Remy, pushing the doctor
rudely aside, and advancing toward Clemence. "Oh! it is heaven who sends
here one of its angels. Madame, I knew that you had interested yourself for
these unfortunates. More fortunate than I, you have found them; as for me,
it was chance which brought me here, to behold a scene of unheard-of
barbarity. Unfortunate child! Do you see, madame--do you see! And you,
gentlemen, in the name of your daughters, or your sisters, have pity on a
child of sixteen, I entreat you; leave me alone with madame and the good
sisters. As soon as she recovers a little, I will have her removed hence."