The young viscount was sitting in his father's drawing-room, at the
hotel, musing upon the mournful singularity of his own fate, and the
mystery that still enveloped Madeleine, when this letter was placed in
his hands. He was, at first, too completely wonder-struck to experience
a high degree of indignation. He thought he must have mistaken the
meaning of what he read. But no; the words were plain enough; the
accusation plain enough; the threat of legal proceedings to be
instituted against him plain enough. Still, he was too much amazed to be
able to give credence to the communication. He seized his hat, with the
intention of hurrying to Mr. Emerson, and demanding an explanation. As
he opened the door, his father entered.

"What has disturbed you so much?" asked Count Tristan, noticing his
son's disordered mien.

"Nothing that will prove of consequence," returned Maurice, glancing
over the open letter. "There is some vexatious mistake which will easily
be explained away. And yet, the language of this letter is grossly
insulting."

The count's secret guilt kept him in a constant state of torturing fear,
and he now vainly endeavored to conceal his alarm.

He gasped out, "That letter--let me see it!"

Before Maurice could hand the letter, it was eagerly snatched by the
count. His face grew livid as he read,--his white lips were tightly
compressed,--but could not shut in the sound of a convulsive groan.

Maurice, not suspecting the true cause of his father's agitation, went
on,--

"The language is rude; the accusation is made in the most unmannerly
style, and as if its justice were beyond doubt; but business men, in
this country, are usually abrupt, and, when they are annoyed, not too
courteous; one must get accustomed to their manner. My dear father, do
not let this mistake affect you too deeply; it will easily be rectified.
But, first, let me explain the transaction."

The count dropped his head without speaking, but again the sound of a
half-suppressed groan was audible.

"An opportunity offered," continued Maurice, "for the advantageous
employment of ten thousand dollars. Mr. Lorrillard suggested my raising
the money through Mr. Emerson, on the security of the Maryland estate."

The count staggered and sank into a chair. The hour of discovery then
had arrived,--there was no escape! Like those hopeless culprits before
the eternal judgment-seat, he could have cried out to the mountains to
fall upon him and h