t will for ever step in between me and consolation. I
did not then recall the circumstance of my having seen and known my
beloved child, and, moreover, discovered in her untold treasures of
goodness and nobleness of character. Yet how little did I profit by her
being at the farm! Merely saw her three times--yes, three times--no
more! when I might have beheld her each day--nay, have kept her ever
beside me. Oh, that will be my unceasing punishment, my never-ending
reproach and torture,--to think I had my daughter near me, and actually
sent her from me! Nor, though I felt how deserving she was of every fond
care, did I even admit her into my presence but three poor distant
times."

While the unhappy prince thus continued to torment himself with these
and similar reflections, the door of the apartment suddenly opened and
Murphy entered, looking so pale and agitated that even Rodolph could not
help remarking it; and rising hastily, he exclaimed:

"For heaven's sake, Murphy, what has happened to you?"

"Nothing, my lord."

"Yet you are pale!"

"'Tis with astonishment."

"Astonishment at what?"

"Madame d'Harville."

"Madame d'Harville! Gracious heaven! Some fresh misfortune?"

"No, no, my lord--indeed, nothing unfortunate has occurred. Pray compose
yourself! She is--in the drawing-room--"

"Here--in my house? Madame d'Harville here? Impossible!"

"My lord, I told you the surprise had quite overpowered me!"

"Tell me what has induced her to take such a step! Speak, I conjure you!
In heaven's name, explain the reason for her acting so contrary to her
usually rigid notions!"

"Indeed, my lord, I know nothing. But I cannot even account to myself
for the strange feelings that come over me."

"You are concealing something from me!"

"No, indeed, my lord; on the honour of a man, I know only what the
marquise said to me."

"And what did she say?"

"'Sir Walter,' said she, with an unsteady voice, though her countenance
shone with joy, 'no doubt you are surprised at my presence here; but
there are some circumstances so imperative as to leave no time to
consider the strict rules of etiquette. Beg of his royal highness to
grant me an immediate interview of a few minutes only in your presence,
for I know well that the prince has not a better friend than yourself. I
might certainly have requested him to call on me, but that would have
caused at least an hour's delay; and when the prince has learned the
occasion of m