se up in rebellion against his crime,
and the words, "Parricide! murderer!" seemed to ring in his ears like a
trumpet call. When his father fell to the ground, his instinct made him
shout for aid; but an instant afterwards terror took possession of
him, and, rushing from the house, he sought the open country, as though
striving to escape from himself.

Jean, the old servant, who had noticed Norbert's strange look, was
seized with a terrible fear. Trusted as he was by both the Duke and
his son, he had many means of knowing all that was going on in the
household, and was no stranger to the differences that had arisen
recently between father and son. He knew how violent the tempers of both
were, and he also knew that some woman was urging on Norbert to a course
of open rebellion. He had seen the cruel blow dealt by the Duke, and had
wondered greatly when he saw Norbert return to the Chateau. Why had he
done so? He had been in the courtyard when Norbert threw the glass from
the window. Putting all these circumstances together, as soon as the
inanimate body of the Duke had been laid upon a bed, Jean went into the
dining-room, feeling sure that he should make some discovery which would
confirm his suspicions. The bottle from which the Duke had filled his
glass stood half emptied upon the table. With the greatest care, he
poured a few drops of its contents into the hollow of his hand, and
tasted it with the utmost caution. The wine still retained its customary
taste and scent. Not trusting, however, to this, Jean, after making
sure that he was not observed, carried the bottle to his own room, and
concealed it. After taking this precaution, he ordered one of the other
servants to remain by the side of the Duke until the arrival of the
doctor, and then went in search of Norbert.

For two hours his efforts were fruitless. Giving up his search in
despair, he turned once more to regain the Chateau, and, taking the path
through the wood, suddenly perceived a human form stretched on the turf
beneath a tree. He moved cautiously towards the figure, and at once
recognized Norbert. The faithful servant bent over his young master,
and shook him by the arm to arouse him from his state of stupor. At the
first touch, Norbert started to his feet with a shriek of terror. With
mingled fear and pity, Jean noticed the look that shone in the young
man's eyes, more like that of some hunted animal than a human being.

"Do not be alarmed, M. Norber