"Sugar, oh, yes! but this great loaf,--who's all this for?"
"For your mother, of course! Didn't you tell me that she hadn't any and that she was sick?"
"Oh! is it possible, monsieur, that you are so kind as--but this is too much, monsieur, too much."
This time Monsieur Malberg went into his kitchen, where Georget followed him, holding the loaf of sugar in his arms. The gentleman pointed to a large box without a cover, which stood under the stove, saying:
"Oh! how kind you are, monsieur! How can I thank you for----"
"It isn't worth while, I don't like thanks; take this box, I say."
"Yes, monsieur, but be sure--I will return all this; pray believe me. Oh! I will work to pay my debt."
"Very well, very well! By the way, wait; I have some linden leaves here, and some mallow; perhaps they will be good for your mother, and you haven't any in your room, I suppose?"
Monsieur Malberg returned to his dining-room. Georget still followed him, holding under one arm the loaf of sugar, and under the other the box filled with charcoal. The gentleman opened the drawer of a small piece of furniture, took out several paper bags, looked to see what they contained, put two of them aside, and was about to give them to Georget, when he stopped as if a sudden thought had struck him, and left the dining-room, saying:
"I will return in a moment; what I want isn't there; wait here."
The young messenger was careful not to stir; he was so pleased that he wondered whether he was not the play-thing of a dream; but he for whom he was waiting soon returned, bringing several small packages of herbs, saying:
"Here are some things which may be good for your mother,--linden, orange leaves, mallow and violet; take them all, or rather let me put them in your pocket, for you have no hand free."
"Oh, monsieur! excuse me for the trouble I put you to. Mon Dieu! you are too kind! I will pay you for this, monsieur; for we are not beggars, we don't ask alms, and I should be sorry for you to have that idea of us."
"Very good! Your mother is sick and may need you; don't leave her alone any longer."
"Yes, monsieur, you are right; my poor mother, she will be so happy, so--so--Thanks, monsieur, oh, thanks a thousand times! Remember that I am always here day and night, at your service."