THE ATMOSPHERE 245 



that produces the appearance of a celestial vault. 

 . >o you know, my children, what is the use of 

 this aerial sea at the bottom of which we live as fish 

 live in water!" 



"Not very well," Jules replied. 



"Without this ocean of air life would be impossi- 

 ble, plant life as well as animal. Listen. Chief of 

 those imperious needs to which we are subjected 

 are those of eating, drinking, and sleeping. As long 

 as hunger is only its diminutive, appetite, that 

 savory seasoning of the grossest viands ; as long as 

 thirst is only that nascent dryness of the mouth 

 that gives so great a charm to a glass of cold water ; 

 as long as sleepiness is nothing more than that gen- 

 tle lassitude that makes us desire the night's rest, 

 so long is it the attraction of pleasure rather than 

 the rude prick of pain that urges the satisfaction 

 of these primordial needs. But if their satisfaction 

 is too long delayed, they impose themselves as in- 

 exorable masters and command by torture. Who 

 can think without terror of the agonies of hunger 

 and thirst! Hunger! Ah! you do not know what 

 it is, my children, and God preserve you from ever 

 knowing it! Hunger! If you could have any idea 

 of its tortures, your In-art would be oppressed at 

 ih< tlmimlu of the unhappy ones who experience it. 

 Ali! my dear children, always help those that are 

 hungry; help them, and ijivo, give; you will never 

 do a nobler deed in this world. Giving to the poor 

 is lending to the Lord." 



Claire had put her hand h<>r<>n> IHT eyes to hide a 

 tear of emotion. Sh.- had <>1. served a flash on her 



