his land
where _labor_ is a _virtue_, and the most laborious, when they combine
intellect with industry, become the greatest,--in this land it will be
no blot upon her noble name, (when she chooses to resume it) that she
has linked that name with _work_. She will rather be held up as an
example to the daughters of this young country. No one, except Mr.
Hilson, not even her zealous patron, and devoted admirer, Madame de
Fleury, yet knows her history; but every one feels that she merits
reverence, and every one yields her spontaneous veneration. The young
women whom she employs idolize her, and she treats them as the kindest
and most considerate of sisters might. Some among them belong to
excellent families, reduced by circumstances, and she has inspired them
with courage to work, even with so humble an instrument as the needle,
rather than to accept dependence as inevitable. She is fitting them to
follow in her footsteps. If her relatives scorn her for the course she
has pursued, she will be fully compensated for their scorn by the
world's approval."

All eyes had been riveted upon Gaston, as he spoke, and no one perceived
that Madeleine was standing in the room, a few paces from the door.
Bertha's exclamation first made the others conscious of her presence.

"Madeleine! we know all! Oh, what you must have suffered! How noble you
have been! Madeleine, you are dearer to me than ever, far dearer!"

The tears that ran softly down Madeleine's cheeks were her only answer.

Bertha, as she wiped them away, said, "These are not like the tears you
shed that sorrowful day in the _chalet_, that day when you must have
first made up your mind to leave us. Do you remember how you wept then?
Those were tears of agony! You have never wept such tears since,--have
you, Madeleine?"

"No, never!"

"I could not then comprehend what moved you so terribly; but, at this
moment, I understand all your sensations. Now that we have met again
there must be no more tears. You know that I am of age now; I am
mistress of my own fortune; and you and I must part no more! You must
come and share what is mine. You must have done with work, Madeleine."

"That cannot be, my good, generous Bertha; my day of work has not yet
closed."

"Bertha!" exclaimed the countess, who, until then, had stood trembling
with anger, and unable to command her voice. "Bertha, have you quite
forgotten yourself? Remember that you are under my guardianship, and I
forbid y