tan that I could not tell you."

"One of my most cherished hopes has become reality!" returned Madeleine,
fondly. "M. de Bois knows how much I have wished for this consummation;
and I think you have known it, Bertha, ever since you made me a certain
confession."

"What? Mademoiselle Bertha confessed to you, and you kept me in
ignorance?" cried Gaston, reproachfully.

"I did _as I would be done by_,--an old rule that wears well, and keeps
friendships golden."

There was a significance in Madeleine's look comprehended by Gaston. It
warned him that any confidence which she had reposed in him must be
sacred, even from his betrothed bride.

Dr. Bayard was announced, and Madeleine conducted him to the chamber
occupied by her suffering guest, and withdrew.

It strikes us that Madeleine's interpretation of the rules of decorum
must also have suffered by her residence in America; for she very coolly
left the lovers to themselves, and, passing through the dining-room,
walked into the garden.

When she reentered her boudoir she found Gaston and Bertha conversing as
happily as though no sorrow found place upon the earth, or certainly
none beneath that roof; but, since the world began, lovers have been
pronounced selfishly forgetful of the rest of mankind. We have our
doubts, however, whether their being wholly wrapped up in each other
deserves so harsh a name as _selfishness_, since that very closeness of
union renders souls richer and larger, and gives to each additional
power to receive and communicate happiness, while thoroughly selfish
people lack the capacity to impart good gifts, and are content with
being recipients.

Madeleine had just seated herself opposite to the lovers, and was
thinking what a pleasant picture to contemplate were those two radiant
countenances, when Maurice entered with the physician.

"I fear, sir, you look upon my father's state as very critical?"

"Very," replied Dr. Bayard, who was a man of such acknowledged ability
that he could afford to be frank without being suspected of a desire to
magnify the importance of a case under his treatment. "Apoplexy may be
produced by various causes, hereditary disposition, high living, or
anxiety of mind, or all united. I cannot decide what was the origin of
Count Tristan de Gramont's seizure. One side is entirely paralyzed, and
the other slightly."

"Can he be removed to his hotel with safety?" inquired Maurice.

"Assuredly not. The risk would be ve