that Madame de Gramont bethought herself of visiting her
son when the inevitable _garde malade_ was absent, Mrs. Gratacap
returned in one quarter the time which the countess imagined it would
require to swallow the most hasty meal.

"Well, I _do_ say, that's a sight for sore eyes!" exclaimed the nurse.
"I am as pleased as punch to find you here; but I've been thinking that
like as not, you're scared of sick folks; there's plenty of people that
are; but there's nothing to be skittish about; I think this poor dear
will get all right again."

"Silence, woman!" commanded the countess.

"Never you fear," replied Mrs. Gratacap, either misunderstanding her or
pretending to do so. "I'm not talking loud enough for him to hear. I
don't allow loud talking in a sick-room, nor much talking either, of any
kind. If you'd stay here a little while every day, you'd get some ideas
from my management."

The exasperated countess retreated from the apartment, falling back, for
the first time, before an enemy.

As she made her exit Mrs. Gratacap said to Maurice, "It's a pity your
grandmother is so cantankerous; but, I'm used to cranks and whims of all
sorts of folks, and it's only for her own sake, that I wish she'd make
herself more at home here. Who'd think she was the mother of that poor
dear lying so low? and she never to have a word of comfort to throw at
him. But people's ways an't alike, thank goodness! It may be the style
over in your parts, but I'm thankful I was born this side of the great
pond."

A fortnight passed on, and the count rallied again. The shadows which
obscured his brain seemed in a measure to have passed away; but they
were succeeded by a deep melancholy. No effort made by Maurice or Bertha
(Madame de Gramont made none) could rouse him. His countenance wore an
expression of utter despair. He never spoke except to reply to some
question, and then as briefly as possible; but his answers were quite
lucid. As far as mere _physique_ was in question, he was convalescing
favorably.

Maurice received another letter from his partner, urging him to return
to Charleston as soon as possible, and giving him the information that
there was a most advantageous opening in his profession. While the count
remained in his present feeble state, Maurice could not leave him;
besides the countess and Bertha required manly protection.

Bertha continued to resist all Gaston's entreaties to name the day for
their union, always replyin