ow tell me, how is the wounded man?" inquired the abbess,
as the old nun sank wearily into the nearest chair.

"_Helas!_ holy mother, he is sinking fast. The doctor thinks he will
not outlive the night; and meanwhile he is anxious, so anxious, for the
arrival of Monsieur le Duc! He asks from time to time if the duke has
come, or is coming; if we have heard from him, and so on," sighed the old
nun.

"But have you not soothed him by communicating the message received from
the duke, that his grace will be here at five o'clock?"

"No, holy mother! for he was sleeping under the influence of opium, which
the good surgeon had felt obliged to administer in order to quiet him
just before the message came. If he wakes and inquires about the duke
again, we will give him the message."

"Quite right. Has the wretched man seen a priest, or asked to see one?"

"No, mother! but I was not unmindful of his immortal weal. I asked him if
he would see Pere Garbennetti. He brightened up at the name, and inquired
if le pere was here. I told him yes, and at his service, waiting to
attend him, indeed. But then he gloomed again, and said no; he would see
no one until he had seen the Duke of Hereward. He would rest and save his
strength for his interview with the Duke of Hereward. I will return to my
charge now, if my good mother will permit me," said the old nun, rising
from her chair.

"Go, then, Mere Pauline, if you are sufficiently rested. Keep me advised
of the state of your patient, but do not tax your aged limbs to climb
these stairs again. Send one of the younger nuns, and give yourself some
rest," said the abbess, kindly.

"_Helas!_ holy mother, I shall have time enough to rest in the
grave, whither I am fast tending," sighed the old nun, as she withdrew
from the room.

"Oh, mother!" joyfully exclaimed Salome, as soon as they were left alone,
"he comes by the midday express! It is midday now! The train has already
left Paris! He is speeding toward us, even now, as fast as steam can
bring him. I can almost see and hear and _feel_ him coming!"

"Calm your transports, dear daughter; think of the dying sinner so near
us, even now," gravely replied the elder lady.

"I can think of nothing but my living husband," exclaimed the young wife.

"Oh, these young hearts! these young hearts! 'From all inordinate and
sinful affections, good Lord, deliver us!'" prayed the abbess.

She had scarcely spoken, when the door opened and Sister Fra