"Madame," said the viscountess in a grave voice, "I have requested this audience which your Highness is pleased to grant me, in order to ask you, in the face of all, if you have been content with my fidelity and devotion since I have had the honor to serve you."
The princess put her handkerchief to her lips, and faltered:—
"Most assuredly, my dear viscountess, I have had reason to praise your conduct on all occasions, and I have expressed my gratitude to you more than once."
"That statement is very precious to me, madame, for it permits me to solicit your Highness to relieve me from further attendance upon you."
"What!" cried the princess, "you wish to leave me, Claire?"
Claire bowed respectfully, but made no reply. Shame, remorse, or sorrow could be detected upon every face. A deathlike silence pervaded the assembly.
"But why do you leave me?" continued the princess at last.
"I have but a few days to live, madame," replied the viscountess, "and those few days I desire to pass in caring for the welfare of my soul."
"Claire, dear Claire!" cried the princess, "pray reflect—"
"Madame," the viscountess interrupted, "I have two favors to ask at your hands; may I hope that you will grant them?"