Very few minutes elapsed before Maurice returned, accompanied by the countess. She swept into the room, towering as majestically as though she could rise above and conquer all the assailing army of circumstances arrayed against her.
Madeleine made a movement toward the door.
"Remain! I wish to speak to you, Mademoiselle de Gramont," cried the countess in her most icy tone.
"Permit me first to request Miss Thornton to watch beside Count Tristan. He ought not to be left alone."
Madeleine had been more thoughtful of the patient than his mother, and the latter could not detain her.
"Are you positive that your father cannot be moved? I am not convinced that it is out of the question."
The countess addressed these words to Maurice.
"The physician has just declared that the risk would be too great. That question, then, is definitely settled. It only remains for you to say how far you will accept Madeleine's hospitable proposition."
"Hospitable! Do not talk of hospitality but of degradation! What will be said when it is known that Count Tristan de Gramont was sheltered, during his illness, by his mantua-maker relative!—his tradeswoman niece! There is only one condition upon which I can be forced to consent."
Here Madeleine reëntered, and the countess accosted her.