ded her narrative by saying,--

"One may be very poor, and very dependent, and yet be the daughter of a
duke; and even a duke's daughter may find it less irksome to earn her
own bread than to eat the bread of charity."

Ruth asked, tremblingly, "But now will all go on as before? Will your
noble relatives permit you to continue your present life?"

"My relatives can exert no influence which will turn me from the path I
have chosen," replied Madeleine, divining her young _protegee's_
thoughts. "While Count Tristan remains in my house, _you_ will act as my
representative. When he is restored, or, rather, when he is no longer my
guest, I shall resume my former duties."

Ruth's sinking heart was lifted up by this assurance, and the cloud that
had gathered upon her sweet face passed away, and left it as placid as
Madeleine's own. Madeleine's tranquillizing influence over others was
one of her most remarkable traits. She was not merely calm and
self-possessed herself, but her presence communicated a steadfast,
hopeful calmness that was irresistible.

The _beau monde_ had decided that as Mademoiselle de Gramont's family
had claimed her, she would unhesitatingly abandon her humble occupation,
and assume her legitimate position in the social sphere; and great were
the lamentations over the noble _couturiere's_ supposed abdication of
her throne.

The next question to be settled was whether her former patrons should
recognize and visit her as an equal, ignoring their previous
acquaintance. Madame de Fleury was the first to reply to that query. We
will not make ourselves responsible for the assertion that she was
prompted by purely disinterested motives, and the unqualified admiration
with which Mademoiselle Melanie had long since inspired her. It is _just
possible_ that other incentives had their weight in her light head, and
that believing herself about to be deprived of the inventive genius
which had rendered her toilet the glory and delight of her life, she
might have determined to preserve Mademoiselle Melanie's friendship that
she might secure her advice on all important occasions. Be that as it
may, Madame de Fleury immediately left cards for Mademoiselle de
Gramont, and her example was followed by the Countess Orlowski, and a
host of other ladies, who conscientiously walked in her footsteps.

The morning of the third day after Count Tristan's seizure passed much
in the same manner as the second. Maurice conducted his