, and think that if Madeleine's wisdom and
patience could accomplish this feat, she was a rare instance of
womanhood. Try her experiment faithfully and then decide!

Madeleine only partially rose when Count Tristan entered.

"My dear niece,--my dearest Madeleine,--I hope you are not ill?"

Although the count spoke with an air of exaggerated affection, his
manner was far more self-possessed than when he left the hotel. The
fresh air had revived him. Madeleine was not struck by any singularity
in his deportment.

"Not exactly ill, yet not quite well," she answered, without pretending
to respond to his oppressive tenderness; "and I was trying to forget
myself."

"That was always your way, Madeleine; you are always forgetting yourself
and remembering others. I always said so. I always appreciated your
beautiful traits. The time has come when your whole family will
appreciate them, and rejoice that you are restored to us. My mother is
in a very different frame of mind to day; you must forget all that took
place yesterday. You must forgive the past, and accept the hand of
reconciliation which she extends to you."

"Is it possible that the Countess de Gramont has charged you to say this
for her?"

"This, and a great deal more. She opens her arms to you; hereafter you
two are to be as mother and daughter."

Count Tristan spoke with so much earnestness, that probably he had
succeeded in believing his own liberally invented statements.

"It seems very strange," returned Madeleine; "yet I thank the countess
for her unlooked-for cordiality. I do not know what good angel has
opened her heart to me; but I am grateful if she will give me a place
there."

"The good angel in question was Lord Linden," answered the count, quite
seriously. "His lordship called this morning. I left him with my
mother."

"Lord Linden?"

"Yes, it was at his suggestion that I hastened here; not that I thought
any influence of mine was needed; but just now it is well to keep in
with every one, and you must oblige me by permitting Lord Linden to
imagine that it was through my advocacy you were induced to look
favorably upon his suit."

"That is impossible."

"Not at all; a mere suggestion in your letter will have the desired
effect. You have not answered Lord Linden's letter yet,--have you."

"No,--I intend to reply this morning, and"--

"That's right! You will grant me this favor, I know you will! Say that
_after having conversed with me_