ny deception, to be guilty of any treachery, if he were
powerfully prompted by what he termed family considerations,--which
simply meant his own personal interest.

He had determined to keep Maurice in ignorance of Madeleine's flight as
long as possible, that the chances of discovering her retreat might be
diminished; and great was the wily schemer's consternation when he
learned that Bertha had unadvisedly frustrated his plans by writing to
her cousin.

Madeleine's value had never been estimated to its just height until her
place was empty. It is not in human nature to prize that which we
possess to its full worth, until it is "lacked and lost!" Alas! in how
many households there moves, with noiseless feet, some placid, patient,
yet potent spirit, with hands ever ready to toil, or soothe; a smile
ever kindled to comfort or encourage; a voice that "turns common words
to grace," imparting hope and dispensing joy; a presence full of
helpfulness and peace; a being, grown familiar to our eyes by every
day's association, whom we carelessly greet, or jostle against
unheeding, or thrust aside impatiently, never dreaming that our
working-day mortal, could she cast off this garment of clay, would stand
revealed one of God's holy messengers commissioned to minister!--that
is, _never until_ we suddenly find her place empty, yet trace the touch
of her delicate fingers, the print of her light footsteps everywhere
around us, and feel the dreary void made in our hearts by her absence,
and recognize, too late, that we have entertained an angel unawares.

Throughout the Chateau de Gramont there was no one, save Count Tristan,
who did not make some such reflection (though vague and undefined,
perhaps) while thinking of Madeleine. The ancient domestics seemed
completely lost without her guiding hand,--her spirit of order
systematizing and lightening all their duties. Everything was in
confusion, everything went wrong. Dearly as they loved her, they had
never before realized that Mademoiselle Madeleine had been of so much
importance and assistance to them all.

The countess missed her every moment; and, interested as were her
regrets, they were not unmingled with some faint self-reproach when she
remembered how lightly she had prized her services. The antiquated
_femme de chambre_ had never appeared so clumsy, purblind, and stupid;
and the more her stately mistress chided her, the more bewildered
Bettina became, the more blunders she c