in her lap, her lips firmly
compressed, and her eyes fixed upon vacancy. Pale but calm, and more
imposing and more beautiful than ever, Mademoiselle Marguerite was
kneeling beside the bed, eagerly watching for some sign of renewed life
and intelligence on the count's face.

A little ashamed of his indiscretion, the doctor retreated seven or
eight steps down the stairs, and then ascended them again, coughing
slightly, so as to announce his approach. This time he was heard.
for Mademoiselle Marguerite came to the door to meet him. "Well?" he
inquired.

"Alas!"

He advanced toward the bed, but before he had time to examine his
patient Mademoiselle Marguerite handed him a scrap of paper. "The
physician who usually attends M. de Chalusse has been here in your
absence, monsieur," said she. "This is his prescription, and we have
already administered a few drops of the potion."

M. Jodon, who was expecting this blow, bowed coldly.

"I must add," continued Mademoiselle Marguerite, "that the doctor
approved of all that had been done; and I beg you will unite your skill
with his in treating the case."

Unfortunately all the medical skill of the faculty would have availed
nothing here. After another examination, Dr. Jodon declared that it
would be necessary to wait for the action of nature, but that he must
be informed of the slightest change in the sick man's condition. "And I
will tell my servant to wake me at once if I am sent for," he added.

He was already leaving the room, when Madame Leon barred his passage.
"Isn't it true, doctor, that one attentive person would suffice to watch
over the count?" she asked.

"Most assuredly," he answered.

The housekeeper turned toward Mademoiselle Marguerite. "Ah, you see, my
dear young lady," she said, "what did I tell you? Listen to me; take a
little rest. Watching is not suitable work for one of your age----"

"It is useless to insist," interrupted the young girl, resolutely. "I
shall remain here. I shall watch over him myself."

The housekeeper made no reply; but it seemed to the doctor that the two
women exchanged singular glances. "The devil!" he muttered, as he took
his departure; "one might think that they distrusted each other!"

Perhaps he was right; but at all events he had scarcely left the house
before Madame Leon again urged her dear young lady to take a few
hours' rest. "What can you fear?" she insisted, in her wheedling voice.
"Sha'n't I be here? Do you suppos