onsciousness returned to the
countess, she lay in a state of half-dreamy exhaustion which precluded
the power of thought or the stir of her high passions. It was manifest
that she recognized those who moved about her bed, for she now and then
addressed Bertha, Maurice, and even Madeleine by name. Madeleine's heart
throbbed with joy when she dared to believe that there was no unkindness
in Madame de Gramont's tone. Maurice and Bertha had made the same
observation and augured future harmony and happiness from the
unanticipated change. But their delusion was quickly dispelled, for it
soon became apparent that the countess believed herself to be in the
Chateau de Gramont, and that her mind had gone back to a period previous
to the one when Madeleine had awakened her displeasure. Either the
objects by which she was surrounded had grown familiar to her eyes, or
as she beheld them indistinctly in the dim light, imagination lent them
olden shapes, for she assuredly fancied herself in her own chamber, in
that venerable chateau to which she had so earnestly longed to return.
It was somewhat remarkable that she never mentioned Count Tristan,
though she several times spoke of her antiquated _femme de chambre_,
Bettina, and of Baptiste, and desired Madeleine to give them certain
orders, just as she would have done in by-gone days.

It was not deemed prudent to make any attempt to banish the
hallucination under which she was laboring, and which unavoidable
circumstances must gradually disperse.

Maurice received a second letter from Mr. Lorrillard, again urging him
to return to Charleston, and apprising him that his services would be
particularly valuable at that moment, as he (Mr. Lorrillard) was
occupied in preparing to conduct a case of much importance, which needed
great care in collecting authorities, and these researches it was the
province of Maurice to make.

Maurice placed the letter in Madeleine's hands, less because he needed
her counsel than because it was so delightful to feel that he had the
right to consult her.

"What do you advise, Madeleine?" he asked, after she had perused it.

"I would have you send the answer you have already concluded to send."

"How do you know that answer?"

"I have read more difficult books than your face, Maurice; besides,
there seems to me only one answer which would be advisable. Your
grandmother is safe under Bertha's care and mine; she does not
absolutely need your presence."