all but witnessed.  It was the case of a lady of quality who suddenly found herself in the most dangerous pangs of labour.  All the skill of the physicians who had been summoned proved futile; the lady was at the point of death; at last, in sheer despair, they summoned a midwife of great repute among the peasantry, but whose practice did not include the gentry.  From the first treatment of this woman, who appeared modest and diffident to a degree, the pains ceased as if by enchantment; the patient fell into an indefinable calm languor, and after some hours was delivered of a beautiful infant; but after this was attacked by a violent fever which brought her to death’s door.  They then again had recourse to the doctors, notwithstanding the opposition of the master of the house, who had confidence in the matron.  The doctors’ treatment only made matters worse.  In this extremity they again called in the midwife, and at the end of three weeks the lady was miraculously restored to life, thus, added the marquis, establishing the reputation of the matron, who had sprung into such vogue in the town where she lived and the neighbouring country that nothing else was talked about.

This story made a great impression on the company, on account of the condition of the countess; the dowager added that it was very wrong to ridicule these humble country experts, who often through observation and experience discovered secrets which proud doctors were unable to unravel with all their studies.  Hereupon the count cried out that this midwife must be sent for, as she was just the kind of woman they wanted.  After this other matters were talked about, the marquis changing the conversation; he had gained his point in quietly introducing the thin end of the wedge of his design.

After dinner, the company walked on the terrace.  The countess dowager not being able to walk much on account of her advanced age, the countess and Madame de Bouille took chairs beside her.  The count walked up and down with M. de Saint-Maixent.  The marquis naturally asked how things had been going on during his absence, and if Madame de Saint-Geran had suffered any inconvenience, for her pregnancy had become the most important affair in the household, and hardly anything else was talked about.

“By the way,” said the count, “you were speaking just now of a very skilful midwife; would it not be a good step to summon her?”

“I think,” replied the marquis, “that it would be an excellent selection, for I do not suppose there is one in this neighbourhood to compare to her.”

“I have a great mind to send for her at once, and to keep her about the countess, whose constitution she will be all the better acquainted with if she studies it beforehand.  Do you know where I can send for her?”

“Faith,” said the marquis, “she lives in a village, but I don’t know which.”

“But at least you know her name?”

“I can hardly remember it.  Louise Boyard, I think, or Polliard, one or the other.”