I fear there will be considerable difficulty in
obtaining that happiness; Rodolph will refuse me, as a punishment for
the past. But I must and will accomplish my longing desire! Oh, yes! I
cannot--will not be denied! But the prince comes!"

Rodolph entered, and carefully closed the door after him. Addressing
Sarah in a cold, constrained manner, he said:

"I presume your brother has told you all?"

"He has!"

"And your ambition is satisfied."

"Quite--quite satisfied?"

"Every needful preparation for our marriage has been made; the minister
and attesting witnesses are in the next room."

"I know it."

"They may enter, may they not, madame?"

"One word, my lord. I wish to see my daughter."

"That is impossible!"

"I repeat, my lord, that I earnestly desire to see my child."

"She is but just recovering from a severe illness, and she has undergone
one violent shock to-day; the interview you ask might be fatal to her."

"Nay, my lord, she may be permitted to embrace her mother without danger
to herself."

"Why should she run the risk? You are now a sovereign princess!"

"Not yet, my lord; nor do I intend to be until I have embraced my
daughter!"

Rodolph gazed on the countess with unfeigned astonishment.

"Is it possible," cried he, "that you can bring yourself to defer the
gratification of your pride and ambition?"

"Till I have indulged the greater gratification of a mother's feelings.
Does that surprise you, my lord?"

"It does indeed!"

"And shall I see my daughter?"

"I repeat--"

"Have a care, my lord,--the moments are precious,--mine are possibly
numbered! As my brother said, the present trial may kill or cure me. I
am now struggling, with all my power, with all the energy I possess,
against the exhaustion occasioned by the discovery just made to me. I
demand to see my daughter, or otherwise I refuse the hand you offer me,
and, if I die before the performance of the marriage ceremony, her birth
can never be legitimised!"

"But Fleur-de-Marie is not here; I must send for her."

"Then do so instantly, and I consent to everything you may propose; and
as, I repeat, my minutes are probably numbered, the marriage can take
place while they are conducting my child hither."

"Although 'tis a matter of surprise to hear such sentiments from you,
yet they are too praiseworthy to be treated with indifference. You shall
see Fleur-de-Marie; I will write to her to come directly."

"Write there--on