have recognized the countenance
upon which the eyes of the Countess de Gramont and her son were now
turned. Not the faintest shadow of that whirlwind of passionate anguish
was left upon Madeleine's face, unless it might be traced in the great
calm which succeeds a heavy storm; in the death-like pallor which
overspread her almost rigid features; in the steady light that shone
from her soul-revealing eyes; in the firm outline of her colorless
lips; in the look of heroic resolve which imparted to her noble
lineaments a higher beauty than they ever before had worn.

She approached Count Tristan with an unfaltering step, holding a letter
in her hand. That letter had given a sudden check to her vehement
sorrow, and restored her equilibrium.

"I have received this communication from Count Damoreau."

As she spoke, she extended the epistle to the count, who for one instant
quailed before her clairvoyant eyes. It seemed as though a prophetic
judgment spoke out of their shining depths.

He took the letter mechanically, without opening it. His gaze was
riveted, as though by a magnetism too powerful for him to resist, upon
her purposeful countenance.

Madeleine went on,--

"Count Damoreau tells me that you and my aunt desire to withdraw your
protection from me; that you feel I have sufficiently long enjoyed the
shelter of your roof; that you wish to provide me with some other
asylum."

There was no hesitation in her voice as she uttered these words. She
spoke in a tone rendered clear and quiet by the dignity of self-respect.

"Count Damoreau had no authority to write in such a strain to you,"
observed the countess, with asperity.

"There is his letter. He informed me that he has the Count Tristan's
authority. To prove it, he encloses the letter yesterday delivered to
him by M. Gaston de Bois."

Count Tristan was too thoroughly confounded to attempt any reply. He was
painfully aware of the unmistakable character of that epistle.

"Count Damoreau announces to me," continued Madeleine, undisturbed,
"that he is unable to comply with your request, and extend an invitation
for me to join his family circle; and that my other relatives have also
declined to accede to a solicitation of yours that they should by turns
receive me as an inmate. He adds that his friend, Lady Vivian, is
seeking an humble companion to accompany her to Scotland; and he trusts
that I will thankfully accept this situation."

"It is an insult,--a delib