d that her passport had been taken
out for England. This confirmed my impression that she had
joined Lady Vivian in Scotland. The passport which, as you
are aware, requires two responsible witnesses, was signed by
Messrs. Picard and Bossuet. I sought those gentlemen to
extract further information from them, but, singularly
enough, both had left Brittany the day after Madeleine. I
cannot conceive how she obtained their signatures, for
surely she had no acquaintance with them. Following this
clew I started immediately for Edinburgh, and arrived here
on Wednesday evening. I had no difficulty in finding the
residence of Lady Vivian. She is in London, but is expected
home shortly. I had an interview with her venerable
housekeeper, who answered all my inquiries with great
patience. From her I learned that Lady Vivian was
accompanied by a young French lady whom she had recently
engaged as a _dame de compagnie_. The housekeeper could not
remember her foreign name, but when I mentioned Mademoiselle
de Gramont, she said it sounded like that. She had been
informed that the young lady was very accomplished and
belonged to an excellent family; also that Lady Vivian had
first heard of her during her late visit in Brittany. In
answer to the question whether this young lady arrived with
Lady Vivian in London, the housekeeper replied that she did
not,--she had joined her ladyship only a few days ago. Thus
I feel certain that Madeleine is found. I leave for London
at once, and, not many days after you receive this letter,
you may expect to see us both; for I will never cease my
supplications until Madeleine yields and returns with me to
the Chateau de Gramont. I know what joy this intelligence
will give you, my dear little cousin, and my joy is
increased by the reflection of yours."

The count broke off without reading the concluding lines of the letter,
and remarked,--

"Maurice came to a hasty conclusion. If Lady Vivian's _dame de
compagnie_ should prove to be Madeleine, as it _may_ be, there is no
certainty that she will yield to his persuasions and return to us.
Madeleine is very obstinate and self-willed. You must pardon me, Bertha,
for throwing a damper upon your hopes, but I would spare you too severe
disappointment."

"I shall _not_ be disappointed. I feel sure Maurice ha