"So much the better," said he with a sigh, as he raised his eyes wet with tears to heaven.
"What do you mean?" exclaimed Charles.
"Yes," replied the young man, "it is better that she should die of sickness than through grief when she learns that her son has been shot."
"What? has the Comte de Sainte-Hermine been shot?"
"No, but he is going to be."
"When?"
"Why, as soon as we reach the fortress of Auenheim; that is where the executions usually take place."
"Then the count is at the fortress?"
"No, they are taking him there."