rst stirring his
hands as though clutching at something impalpable, then gradually
opening his eyes. They looked large and glassy, but as they fixed
themselves upon Madeleine's face, bespoke full consciousness.

"Madeleine!" he murmured feebly; but his voice was distinct, and
pathetically tender. "I am with you again, Madeleine,--that is great
happiness,--great comfort, I am going soon, Madeleine;--do you not know
it?"

"Oh! I fear so!" answered Madeleine, weeping; "but you do not suffer?
You are calm?"

"Very calm,--very happy with my good angel near me. Madeleine, you have
much to pardon; but you will pardon,--all,--all!

"I do, I do. If there be anything to pardon, I do, from my soul, a
thousand times over."

"You have made me believe in God and his saints, Madeleine, and I bless
you."

Madeleine was holding both of his cold hands in hers, and had bowed her
head, that his icy lips might touch her forehead; but she rose up
suddenly, for she heard the wheels of a carriage stop, and the street
door open; she deemed it well to prepare the count.

"I think your mother and Maurice have arrived."

A cloud passed over the face of the dying man, but did not rest there.
He was beyond fear! His haughty mother could no longer inspire awe!

A moment after, Maurice opened the door and the countess entered the
room. Approaching the bed, as though unconscious of Madeleine's
presence, she exclaimed,--

"My son, my son, what brought you here? How could you have paid so
little respect to my wishes? I will not reproach you" (this was much for
her to say), "only make the effort to let yourself be removed at once."

"I am going fast enough, mother; I am dying!"

"No,--no!" cried the countess, vehemently. "You could not die _here!_
You are not dying! You cannot, _shall not die!_"

She spoke as though she believed that her potent volition could frighten
away the death-angels hovering near, and prolong his life.

Madeleine had attempted to withdraw her hand from his, for his mother
had seized the other clay-cold hand; but he said, with a faint smile,
"Don't go, Madeleine; do not leave me until I cannot see you and feel
you more." Then making a great effort to rally his expiring energies, he
continued, "Mother, love Madeleine! We need angels about us to lift us
up when we fall. Keep her near you if you would be comforted when the
hour that has come to me comes to you!"

The countess did not reply, but the hand she held had