ature to treat those with whom she was thrown in contact
with a genial courtesy which rose to kindness, often to affection; but
it was only to a few that she really threw wide the portals of her large
heart. Mrs. Walton's devotion to Maurice was claim enough for her to be
ranked among the small number whom Madeleine admitted to that inner
sanctuary.

On the other hand, Mrs. Walton was by no means impulsive in forming
friendships; her existence had been brightened by very few. She had much
constitutional _reticence_; she enjoyed a secluded life; she was not
dependent upon others for happiness. A rich, inexhaustible well-spring
of joy,--the one joy of her days,--flowed in through her son, and that
pure fount was all-sufficient to water the flowers that sprang in her
path. Maurice had awakened her womanly compassion, first, because Ronald
had found in him a brother; next, because he was motherless and almost
heart-broken, and finally, because his noble attributes won her admiring
affection. But, although Mrs. Walton had no facility in making
friendships, when she did become attached, it was with a sympathetic and
absolute devotion which extended itself involuntarily to the beings who
were dear to those she loved; thus her attachment for Maurice awakened
an affection for Madeleine before they met; and when she clasped
Madeleine's hand, and looked into her fair face, the reserve she
invariably experienced toward strangers at once melted away, and in
their very first interview these two responsive spirits drew near to
each other with a mutual sense that their intercourse must become closer
and closer.

Madeleine had frequently seen Ronald when, habited as the _soeur de
bon secours_, she kept nightly vigil by the bed of Maurice, and Ronald
had marked the classic features of the "holy sister," and quickly
recognized them again when he was presented to Mademoiselle de Gramont.

After Mrs. Walton had visited Madeleine, Ronald persuaded her to call
with him on Mademoiselle de Merrivale. Bertha received her quondam
partner of the dance with much warmth and vivacity; but the countess
looked with freezing hauteur upon these American friends of her
grandson. Though Mrs. Walton was naturally timid, she was unawed by the
countess's assumption of superiority; her self-respect enabled her to
remain perfectly composed and collected, and to appear unconscious of
the disdain with which she was treated.

This initiative visit was quickly