Then Madeleine, who had been engrossed by the necessity of promptly
ministering to the sufferer, remembered that the count's family should
at once be made aware of his condition. What a frightful shock the
countess would receive when she heard of her son's state! And Maurice
and Bertha,--would they not be greatly alarmed? How could intelligence
of the calamity be most gently communicated? Should Madeleine write? A
note bearing the tidings might startle his mother too much. Madeleine
saw but one alternative,--it was to go in person and break the sorrowful
news as delicately as possible. She did not waste a moment in pondering
upon the manner in which the haughty countess might receive her, but
ordered her carriage, and drove to the hotel, leaving Count Tristan
under the charge of Ruth, and Mrs. Lawkins, the housekeeper.

Arrived at her destination, Madeleine ordered her servant to inquire for
the Viscount de Gramont. He was not at home. Was Mademoiselle de
Merrivale at home? The same reply. Was the Countess de Gramont at home?
Madeleine could not help hoping that a negative would again be returned,
for she grew sick at heart at the prospect of encountering her aunt
alone. The countess was within.

Madeleine's card was requested. She had none. What name should the
servant give? Here was another difficulty: she was only known as
"_Mademoiselle Melanie_;" she could not make use of her real name;
besides, she feared that the countess would deny her admission if made
aware who was her visitor. But something must be done. Madame de Gramont
had issued orders that prevented any guest from entering her presence
without permission. Madeleine asked for a sheet of note-paper, and, with
her pencil, hastily wrote,--

"Madeleine entreats the Countess de Gramont to see her for a moment. She
has a matter of importance to communicate."

The servant returned almost immediately, and, replacing the note in
Madeleine's hand, said, "The Countess de Gramont desires me to say that
she is engaged."

"It is absolutely necessary that I should see Madame de Gramont,"
replied Madeleine. "I will bear the blame of her displeasure if you will
show me to her apartment."

"The lady is very rigid, ma'am. I don't dare."

"She will be angry at first, I admit," returned Madeleine; "but her
dissatisfaction will not last when she knows upon what errand I have
come. I can confidently promise you _that_. Perhaps you will consider
this money sufficient com