ever, Madeleine," he replied, taking up his hat. "When may
I see you again?"

"When you choose; you are always welcome; but go now. Show monsieur
_through the garden_, Victorine."

Victorine smiled a mysterious assent. Maurice followed her out of the
room, but Madeleine's intention was unexpectedly frustrated.

The visitor whom Victorine had ushered into the drawing-room had
followed her unnoticed to the small entry which led into Madeleine's
boudoir. The forewoman and Maurice had only taken a few steps when they
encountered him.

Maurice exclaimed in astonishment, "Good heavens, my father!"

"You here, Maurice," returned the count in a severe tone.

"Are you not here, my father?"

"That is different," answered the count, hiding his annoyance beneath a
frigid air. "You heard what your grandmother said. She would be
indignant if she knew of this visit, and you must be aware that it does
not meet with _my_ approval."

"Have I reason to think so when I find you here also?" replied Maurice,
in a manly tone.

"I come as the head of the family, and to talk upon a family matter of
great importance. I do not, however, wish that my visit here should be
known to any one. You understand me,--it is not to be mentioned."

"Be assured I shall not mention it," said Maurice, bowing and moving
onward.

As the gentlemen had met, Victorine concluded there was now no need of
showing the way through the garden entrance. She opened the door of the
boudoir to admit Count Tristan, and then led the way to the entrance
from the street. Maurice did not comprehend why Madeleine's orders were
disregarded; for he never suspected that his father was the writer of
the note.

At the sound of a footstep on the stair, the viscount raised his head,
and caught sight of a gentleman who had commenced descending, but
suddenly turned back, as though he also did not wish to be seen. He
could not, however, disappear before Maurice had recognized Lord Linden.

Why should Lord Linden have so rapidly retreated when he thought he
might be seen? Could this languid, _blase_ nobleman be the man Madeleine
loved? Could she have been acquainted with him in France? When could
their acquaintance have commenced? Why had she never mentioned him? It
was very singular.

Maurice left the house he had entered with such joyous sensations, sadly
and slowly. Madeleine was found at last, yet Madeleine was again lost to
him!

CHAPTER XXVII.

COUNT TRISTAN'S