y at that moment became conscious of the supporting arm;
for she gently drew herself away, and the palest rose began to tinge her
ashy cheek; but it deepened into a sudden crimson flush, as she saw the
eyes of the countess angrily fixed upon her.

"Yes, Maurice, do not refuse me. I am better,--I am quite well." And she
rose up, forcing her limbs to obey her will. Then, leaning on Bertha's
shoulder, whispered, "I entreat you, dear, to make them go,--make them
_all_ go; I cannot bear more at this moment. Spare me, if you love me!"

"O Madeleine, how can you?" began Bertha.

But M. de Bois, who had perfect reliance in Madeleine's judgment, felt
certain that she herself knew what was best for her, and said,--

"Mademoiselle de Gramont will be better alone. If she will allow me, I
will apprise Miss Thornton of her indisposition, and we will take our
leave."

Madeleine smiled assent, and sank into her seat; for her limbs were
faltering.

M. de Bois could not have uttered words better calculated to induce the
countess to take her leave. She had no desire to be found in the boudoir
of the mantua-maker by any of Madeleine's friends. She said,
commandingly,--

"Bertha--Maurice--I desire you to accompany my son and myself.
Mademoiselle de Gramont, though my errand here is not fully
accomplished, I wish you good morning."

Neither Bertha nor Maurice showed the slightest disposition to obey the
order of the countess, but Madeleine said, pleadingly,--

"Go--go--I pray you! You cannot help me so much as by going."

They both began to remonstrate; but she checked them by the pressure of
her trembling fingers, for each held one of her hands, and said,
pleadingly,--

"Do not speak to me now,--another time,--when you will; but not _now_."

There was something so beseeching in her voice that it was impossible to
resist its appeal. Bertha embraced her in silence; Maurice pressed the
hand that lay in his to his lips; and both followed the countess out of
the room.

Count Tristan took the hand Maurice had relinquished, and, giving a
glance at the retreating figure of the countess, commenced speaking; but
Madeleine interrupted him with,--

"Another time, I beg. Leave me now."

Just then Gaston de Bois entered, accompanied by Ruth, and, reading
Madeleine's wishes in her eyes, placed his arm through that of the
count, and conducted him out of the room, closing the door behind him.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

HALF THE WOOER.