nine o’clock
At a sign from the Abbe Birotteau the old huntsman went to fetch the curate of Sache . The doctor , standing by the bed , calm as science , and holding the hand of the still sleeping woman , had made the confessor a sign to say that this sleep was the only hour without pain which remained for the recalled angel . The moment had come to administer the last sacraments of the Church . At nine o'clock she awoke quietly , looked at us with surprised but gentle eyes , and we beheld our idol once more in all the beauty of former days . `` Mother ! you are too beautiful to die -- life and health are coming back to you ! '' cried Madeleine .