rimson when she saw the volume her visitor was examining,
and said, in a confused tone, taking the book from Mrs. Walton's
hands,--

"I thought I had locked this book in my desk; how could I have left it
about? It only contains old sketches of remembered places, and similar
trifles, not worth your contemplation."

"I found them very beautiful," replied Mrs. Walton, "and the likenesses
of Maurice are perfect."

"Of Maurice?" was all that Madeleine could say, her agitation increasing
every moment.

"Yes, I could not understand the subjects, but his face and form are
admirably depicted. You have a true talent for making portraits."

Madeleine could not answer, but as Mrs. Walton glanced at her conscious
and troubled countenance, woman's instinct whispered, "It is Maurice
whom she loves."

CHAPTER LI.

SEED SOWN.

Once more Count Tristan was convalescent. He could move his limbs with
tolerable freedom,--could walk without support, though with slow,
uncertain, uneven steps; his articulation was now hardly impaired,
though he never spoke except in answer to questions, and then with
evident unwillingness. He took little or no notice of what passed around
him, but ever seemed brooding over his own misfortunes,--that is, if his
mind retained any activity, of which it was not easy to judge.

In another week the month for which Mrs. Gratacap considered herself
engaged would expire. That worthy, but voluble and independent person
determined that she would not submit to the slight of having due notice
of dismissal given her, and therefore herself gave warning that she
purposed to take her departure. At the same time she said to Maurice,--

"I vow to goodness that grandmother of yours hasn't got the least idea
of manners. I wonder if that's the style in her country? Why, we
shouldn't call it common decency here! Law sakes! she's had a lesson or
two from me, I think. Would you believe it, this very blessed morning
she had no more civility than just to bid me leave the room as she
wanted to speak to the doctor. I vow to goodness, I wouldn't have
stirred a step if it hadn't been that I knew she didn't know any better,
and I never force myself where I am not wanted; so I just took myself
off."

"It was better to try and bear with my grandmother," answered Maurice,
soothingly.

"And it's bearing with a bear to do it!" responded Mrs. Gratacap. "I
don't mind it on my own account,--I am accustomed to all sorts of quee