Countess, "my husband slipped on the stairs, and
hurt himself very much. Our doctor says it is nothing; but then I put
little faith in what doctors say."

"I know that by experience, madame," replied Hortebise.

"Present company of course always excepted; but, do you know, I once
really believed in you; but your sudden conversion to homeopathy quite
frightened me."

The doctor smiled. "It is as safe a mode of practice as any other."

"Do you really think so?"

"I am perfectly sure of it."

"Well, now that you _are_ here, I am half inclined to ask your advice."

"I trust that you are not suffering."

"No, thank heaven; I have never any cause to complain of my health; but
I am very anxious about Sabine's state."

Her affection of maternal solicitude was a charming pendant to her
display of conjugal affection, and again the doctor's expression of
assent came in in the right place.

"Yes, for a month, doctor, I have hardly seen Sabine, I have been so
much engaged; but yesterday I met her, and was quite shocked at the
change in her appearance."

"Did you ask her what ailed her?"

"Of course, and she said, 'Nothing,' adding that she was perfectly
well."

"Perhaps something had vexed her?"

"She,--why, don't you know that every one likes her, and that she is one
of the happiest girls in Paris; but I want you to see her in spite of
that." She rang the bell as she spoke, and as soon as the footman made
his appearance, said, "Lubin, ask Mademoiselle to have the goodness to
step downstairs."

"Mademoiselle has gone out, madame."

"Indeed! how long ago?"

"About three o'clock, madame."

"Who went with her?"

"Her maid, Modeste."

"Did Mademoiselle say where she was going to?"

"No, madame."

"Very well, you can go."

Even the imperturbable doctor was rather surprised at a girl of eighteen
being permitted so much freedom.

"It is most annoying," said the Countess. "However, let us hope that the
trifling indisposition, regarding which I wished to consult you, will
not prevent her marriage."

Here was the opening that Hortebise desired.

"Is Mademoiselle going to be married?" asked he with an air of
respectful curiosity.

"Hush!" replied Madame de Mussidan, placing her finger on her lips;
"this is a profound secret, and there is nothing definitely arranged;
but you, as a doctor, are a perfect father confessor, and I feel that
I can trust you. Let me whisper to you that it is quite possible that
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