, set
against our ill-fated house, and our humiliation can scarcely be more
complete. You are aware that the physician you have employed (and with
whom I trust you are not in league) says that my son cannot be removed
without danger."

"Yes, madame, and I hope Maurice has communicated the suggestion which I
have hesitatingly, but very gladly, made for your accommodation."

"He has done so," replied the countess, with undiminished stateliness.
"As for myself, it is asking too much,--it is an impossibility that I
should stoop to take up my abode here; but, while my son lies in his
present state, which I am told is alarming (though I believe I am
misinformed), I, as his mother, should feel bound to visit him though it
were in a pest-house. Your offer is declined for myself and Mademoiselle
de Merrivale. Maurice gives me to understand that he considers his place
to be by his father's side, night and day; therefore for him it will be
accepted upon certain conditions; upon these only can I allow my son and
grandson to remain beneath your roof."

"Name them, madame. I will promptly, joyfully comply with your wishes if
it be in my power to do so."

"You will immediately close your establishment, that none of the
transactions of the trade which has sullied your rank may go on within
these walls; and you will at once make known to the public your intended
nuptials with Lord Linden."

"I never had the remotest intention, madame, of becoming the wife of
Lord Linden."

"Has he not offered you his hand?"

"Yes, and but for the accident which has wholly diverted my thoughts, he
would have received a distinct refusal before now."

"What reason can you advance for declining so eligible an offer?"

"The same I gave at the Chateau de Gramont, nearly five years ago. My
affections belong to another."

Madeleine spoke with fervor, as though she experienced a deep joy in
thus proclaiming her constancy. Maurice, with a stifled sigh, turned
from her, and pretended to be gazing at the flowers in the conservatory.

"And may we, at last, be favored," demanded the countess, scornfully,
"with the name of this unknown lover, who has been able to inspire you
with such a rare and romantic amount of constancy?"

"It is one, madame, I cannot now mention with any more propriety than I
could have done years ago."

"Then it must be one of which you are ashamed! But how can I doubt that?
Has he not allowed you to become a tradeswoman? Has not