“I want to ask you to come and assist me in a curious case of spasms, where your intervention may be decisive.”

“Where?”

“At the Maison-Blanche, a poor woman.  What day could you give me?”

“Is it urgent?”

“Yes.”

“In that case I will go at once.  Give the address to my coachman, and get in with me.”

But at this moment a white-haired man dressed in chestnut velvet, wearing a felt hat and sabots, came toward them, accompanied by two young men with whom he discoursed in a loud tone while gesticulating.  People turned to look at them, so original was the appearance of old Brigard, the same man from head to foot that he had always been.

He came to Saniel with outstretched hands, and Saniel, taking off his hat, received him with marked respect.

“Enchanted to meet you,” Brigard said, “for I went to your office yesterday and did not find you.”

“Why did you not send me word beforehand?  If you need me I am at your disposal.”

“Thanks, but happily I do not need your advice, neither for myself nor my family; it was simply that I wished to see you.  Arriving at your house before your office hours, I waited in your reception-room and several patients came after me—­a young woman who appeared to suffer cruelly, an old lady who was extremely anxious, and lastly a man who had some nervous disease that would not permit him to sit still.  And, looking at them, I said to myself that as I was only making a friendly visit I would not remain and prolong the waiting of these unfortunates who counted the minutes, so I came away.”

“May I ask to what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

The two young men who accompanied Brigard, and Saniel’s old pupil discreetly withdrew.

“The desire to present you my congratulations.  When I learned of your candidature to the Academy of Medicine I said to myself:  Here is one who has no chance; friend Saniel has originality and force; he has succeeded brilliantly; but these qualities are not exactly academic.  I was deceived.  You have broken open the doors, which is the only way that I understand of entering these places.  That is why I congratulate you.  And, besides, I did you wrong formerly—­”

“Wrong?  You?”

“I accused you of believing yourself stronger than life; in truth you were.  My compliments!”

After warmly pressing Saniel’s hands, he went on his way with his two disciples, preaching to them.

The young doctor approached Saniel.

“He is an original,” he said.

“A happy man!” was the only reply.

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