rring note breaking the harmony of their
communion.

CHAPTER XLV.

REPARATION.

Maurice, with as much _nonchalance_ as he could assume, informed his
grandmother that he had engaged a _garde malade_ to assist in the care
of his father. When good Mrs. Lawkins made her appearance the next
morning, looking as plump, rosy and "comfortable" as English nurses (and
house-keepers) are wont to look, the countess merely bestowed upon her a
passing glance and then took no further notice of her presence. It never
occurred to Madame de Gramont to inquire into the fitness of this person
for her position and duties. Besides, the countess seldom addressed a
"hireling," except to utter a command or a rebuke. Maurice was greatly
relieved when he perceived his grandmother's perfect indifference to the
individual whom he had selected. Mrs. Lawkins had been thrown "into a
flutter" by Madeleine's cautions and the prospect of being obliged to
parry a series of cross-questions; but the reception she received
quickly restored her equanimity. Count Tristan was sitting near his
mother; the worthy house-keeper made her obeisance to both in silence,
then turned to Maurice for directions.

"You have brought your trunk with you?" inquired the latter.

"I left it in the entry, sir."

The count looked up at the sound of that voice. Immediately recognizing
one whose association in his mind with Madeleine struck the chord which
vibrated most readily, he exclaimed, in a piteous tone, "Madeleine!
Madeleine! Why don't she come? Wont Madeleine come soon?"

Maurice, Bertha, and Mrs. Lawkins were filled with consternation at
these words, which they imagined must arouse the suspicions of the
countess; but she had not condescended to waste sufficient attention
upon the domestic her son had hired to perceive that Count Tristan's
ejaculations had any connection with her presence. The disdainful lady's
eyes sparkled with anger at the unexpected mention of one whose name she
desired never more to hear. She drew her chair close to Count Tristan's
and said in harsh accents,--

"I trust, my son, that you have no wish ungratified? When your _mother_
is by your side, _whom_ else _can_ you desire?"

Count Tristan was too easily cowed by her manner to venture a reply,
even if his disordered intellect could have suggested any appropriate
answer.

"I rejoice at your restoration to me," continued his mother; "and the
filial duty I have the right to expect