le Philip in his terror clung closely to Coursegol. The Marquise
passed, looked at him, and, shaking her head, murmured:

"That is not what I am looking for!" Suddenly she stopped as if riveted
to the spot. Her eyes had fallen upon the sleeping Dolores cradled in
Coursegol's arms. There was such an intentness in her gaze, she was
regarding the child with so much persistence, that a strange thought
flashed through the mind of the faithful servant.

"Good Heavens!" he exclaimed, "might it be possible? Retire," he said,
hastily, addressing those around him; "take Master Philip away and call
the Marquis."

They obeyed: all the servants vanished; the Marquise alone remained.
Then Coursegol deposited the child upon a wide bench that stood against
the wall, and, departing in his turn, ran to conceal himself behind a
window where he could see his mistress without being seen. It was there
the Marquis found him.

"Ah! sir," exclaimed Coursegol on beholding his master, "I believe
madame is saved. Heaven has inspired me. But what if I am mistaken?" he
added, anxiously. "What if she should kill the poor little thing?"

"What do you say? What have you done? Run and take the child from her.
Have we not had misfortunes enough already? Go, I tell you!"

"It is too late!" replied Coursegol, terribly excited. "Look!"

After devouring Dolores with her eyes for several moments, the Marquise
gently approached her with outstretched arms, her face strangely altered
by the emotion that filled her heart. Curiosity, surprise and fear were
imprinted upon her features. She leaned over the child and scrutinized
it anew; then, with an eager movement, seized it, pressed it to her
bosom and started as if to run away with it. But when she had gone
perhaps twenty paces, she paused and looked around as if to assure
herself that no one was following her. The Marquis and Coursegol were
standing at the half-open window, not daring to breathe, so great was
their anxiety. Suddenly they saw the Marquise press little Dolores still
closer to her heart, and imprint frenzied kisses upon her brow, while
for the first time for many a long month beneficent tears flowed from
her eyes. At the same time she exclaimed in a clear, strong voice:

"Hector, my daughter! I have found my daughter!"

The agitated Marquis sprang towards her. She saw him approaching and
advanced to meet him, laughing and crying and displaying the child;
then, overcome by the violence of h