“It is dreadful,” murmured the cardinal; “the fall from so much happiness is overwhelming. I shall die of it.”

“Suffering is always the consequence of love. Come, monseigneur, decide. Am I to remain here, or start for Lausanne?”

“Remain, countess.”

“You swear to obey me.”

“On the faith of a Rohan.”

“Good. Well, then, I forbid interviews, but not letters.”

“Really! I may write?”

“Yes.”

“And she will answer.”

“Try.”