ysicians to approach her;
she never had need of them; she had none now, so she affirmed.

Bertha was not particularly well fitted to preside in a sick-room, and
her maid, Adolphine, was versed in the arts of the toilet alone. She
could have made the most charming cap for an invalid, but would have
proved particularly clumsy in smoothing a pillow for the head by which
the cap was to be worn. Yet the countess obstinately refused to have a
proper attendant engaged. She wanted nothing, she said, except to be
left to herself,--not to be disturbed,--not even to be accosted.

The position of Maurice grew far more painful than ever. He could no
longer devote himself exclusively to his father. Even though he could,
in reality, do nothing for his grandmother, yet he felt bound to pass a
portion of the day by her side; for Bertha was too much distressed and
too inefficient to be left with no assistance save that of her frivolous
maid. Madeleine longed to seek her aunt, and make some few, needful
arrangements for her comfort; but she could not doubt that her presence
would do more harm than good. All that she could effect was to instruct
Maurice, as far as possible, in the requirements of a sick-room, and to
have prepared, in her own kitchen, the light food suitable to an
invalid, which it would be difficult to obtain in a hotel. Every day
delicate broth, beef tea as clear as amber, panada, simple jellies, and
choice fruit were sent to Bertha for her aunt, without the knowledge of
the countess; indeed, the only nourishment the invalid tasted was
provided by the thoughtful Madeleine.

CHAPTER XLII.

DOUBLE CONVALESCENCE.

A fortnight passed on. At its close the vigorous constitution of the
countess, united to her powerful volition, gained a victory over her
malady. She had remained unshaken in her resolution not to receive
medical advice; she had taken no remedies,--used no precautions; yet
the fever had been conquered. Her strength began to return, and she
insisted upon leaving her bed, and being dressed, not as befits an
invalid, but in her usual precise and _soigne_ style. Adolphine timidly
suggested that a wrapper would be more comfortable than her ordinary
attire, and a morning cap would allow her to repose her head. The
countess awed her into silence by remarking:

"I keep my chamber no longer. I shall dress in a manner suitable to the
drawing-room."

During the progress of the tedious toilet, it was more than