fe itself, and if she should give her hand, as she has
given her heart, to another man, I,--it is a possibility too dreadful to
contemplate,--it sets my brain on fire to think of it. Never, never,
Bertha, never if you have any affection for me, speak of Madeleine as"--

He could not finish his sentence, and Bertha said, penitently,--"I am so
sorry, Maurice, I beg your pardon; and there's no likelihood at present;
and so I have told M. de Bois, that he might reconcile himself and learn
patience."

Madame de Gramont entered, and Maurice, endeavoring to conquer his
recent agitation, said to her,--

"I have been talking with Bertha about our future plans. I purpose
returning shortly to Charleston; indeed, it is indispensable that I
should do so. I trust you and my father and Bertha will be willing to
accompany me as soon as he is able to bear the journey,--will you not?"

"No," replied the countess, decidedly. "Why should I go to Charleston?
Why should I linger in this most barbarous, most detestable country,
where I have suffered so much? I have formed my own plans, and intend to
carry them into immediate execution."

"May I beg you to let me know what they are?"

"I purpose," said the countess, slowly, but with a decision by which she
meant to impress Maurice with the certainty that there was no appeal; "I
purpose returning to Brittany, and there remaining for the rest of my
days!"

Bertha half leaped from her chair, her breath grew thick, and her heart
must have beat painfully, for she pressed her hand upon her breast, as
though to still the violent pulsations.

"To Brittany, my grandmother?" said Maurice, in accents of
consternation. "I trust not. In my father's state of health, I could not
feel that I was doing my duty if I were separated from him, and my
interests, my professional engagements, compel me to remain in this
country."

"Your filial affection, Maurice de Gramont, must be remarkably strong,
if you weigh it against your petty, selfish interests,--your
professional engagements. But, do as you please,--I ask nothing, expect
nothing from you,--not even the protection of your presence, though I
have no longer a son who is able to offer me protection."

"But if you will allow me to explain,--if you will allow me to show you
that my lot is cast in America,--that it would ruin all my future
prospects to return to Europe! My father's affairs are so much entangled
that I must exert myself for his support