"I will see her, at once, and try what argument and remonstrance can do," replied Maurice.
And he set forth on his difficult mission.
A moment's reflection convinced Madeleine that if the countess had received the doctor's consent, she would prove inexorable. There was no resource but to submit as patiently as possible. Count Tristan must be reconciled to the change, and to effect that was the task now before her. She tried to break the news gently; she told him his mother had not seen him of late because she had been ill; and now, hearing he was so much better, she desired him to return to the hotel that he might be nearer to her.
The count answered peevishly, "No—no,—I'll not go! I'm better here,—better with you, my good angel!"
"But if Madame de Gramont is determined," said Madeleine, "I have no right, no power to resist her authority."
"Can I not stay? Let me stay!" he pleaded, pathetically.
"I would be only too thankful if you could; but you know the wishes of the countess cannot be disregarded."
"I cannot go! It will kill me if I go back! I am better here. I'm safe with you! I'll not go!"
He seemed so much distressed that Madeleine dismissed the subject by saying, "Maurice has gone to see his grandmother; we need not torment ourselves until he returns."