press
Madeleine on the subject of her possible marriage, and with meek
demureness reconciled herself to the uncertainty of the future, and the
certainty of tormenting her lover in the present.

M. de Bois's devotion to Madeleine sealed his lips. Madeleine had formed
a resolution which she declared unalterable. Bertha had announced a
determination dependent upon Madeleine's, and the suitors of the two
cousins had only to submit and hope.

The labor of packing Madame de Gramont's wardrobe, as well as that of
Bertha, devolved upon Adolphine; she had not quite filled the trunks of
her young mistress when she was summoned by the countess. This was on
the morning of the day preceding the one appointed for their departure.
Adolphine was heedless and forgetful to a tantalizing degree. The
countess deemed herself compelled to superintend her movements; that is
to sit in an arm-chair and look on; the lofty lady would not have
deigned to assist by touching an article, though she now and then issued
an order or indulged in a rebuke, and by her presence greatly retarded
Adolphine's operations.

Count Tristan had driven out every day. His mother and Maurice always
accompanied him. This morning, when Maurice went to announce to his
grandmother that the carriage was at the door, he found her watching
Adolphine, who was on her knees before an open trunk.

"It will be impossible for me to accompany you to-day," said the
countess. "I will speak to your father; it will be his last drive, and
he must excuse me."

She rose and passed into the drawing-room where Count Tristan was
waiting.

"My son," said his mother, raising her voice as she now always did when
she spoke to him, seeming to imagine that by this means she could make
him comprehend better. He was not, however, in the least afflicted with
deafness, and the loud tone was more likely to startle him than to calm
the perturbation which was usually apparent when she addressed him. "My
son, you are to take your airing this morning without me. You understand
that this will be your _last_ drive in this detestable city. You
perfectly comprehend, I hope, that you leave here to-morrow; and before
long we shall be safely within the time-honored walls of the old chateau
which we ought never to have left."

The proposed change had been so constantly impressed upon the count's
mind by his mother that he seemed, at times, to be thoroughly aware of
it; yet at others the recollection fade