erciful Father in heaven bless and save you,
my poor brother," murmured the duke, pressing that pale hand, laying it
tenderly on the coverlet, and gliding from the room of death.

Ten minutes later, the good Father Garbennetti was closeted with his
penitent, administering religious consolation.

When the last sacred offices were all performed, the priest retired, and
the wife and child of the dying man were admitted to his presence, with
permission to remain with him to the end.

In the meantime, the Duke of Hereward, conducted by Doctor Dubourg,
traversed the long passages leading from the Old Men's Home to the
convent.

As they went on, the duke gave the doctor instructions to supply the
patient with everything that he should require during the last few hours
of his life; and after death to take direction of the funeral, and charge
all expenses to himself (the duke), adding:

"I shall, of course, remain at L'Ange until all is over."

"It will not be long, monseigneur. The poor man has been kept up by
mental excitement and by strong stimulants all day long; there comes a
fatal reaction soon, from which nothing can raise him. He will not
outlive the day."

"I am very sorry for him," murmured the duke.

"He was, perhaps, a distant relative of your grace. There is a slight
family likeness," suggested the doctor.

"There is a very remarkable family likeness, and he is a very near
relative," answered the duke, adding; "I hope you will kindly follow the
instructions I have given you in regard to him."

"I will faithfully follow them out, monseigneur," said the doctor, with
a bow.

At the entrance to the convent proper they were met by an elderly nun,
who brought the lady superior's compliments and begged leave to announce
that refreshments were laid in the receiving-parlor, if the Duke of
Hereward and Doctor Dubourg would do the house the honor to partake of
them.

The young duke was tired and hungry from his long journey and longer
fast, and gratefully accepted the sister's courteous invitation in his
own and the doctor's name.

The nun led the way to the parlor, where a table was set out, not merely
with slight refreshments, but with the first course of a dainty dinner,
which the forethought of the abbess had caused to be prepared for her
noble guest.

The duke and the doctor sat down to the table, and were attentively
waited on by two of the elder sisterhood.

Notwithstanding the good appetite of the g