"I shall, of course, remain at L'Ange until all is over."
"It will not be long, monseigneur. The poor man has been kept up by mental excitement and by strong stimulants all day long; there comes a fatal reaction soon, from which nothing can raise him. He will not outlive the day."
"I am very sorry for him," murmured the duke.
"He was, perhaps, a distant relative of your grace. There is a slight family likeness," suggested the doctor.
"There is a very remarkable family likeness, and he is a very near relative," answered the duke, adding; "I hope you will kindly follow the instructions I have given you in regard to him."
"I will faithfully follow them out, monseigneur," said the doctor, with a bow.
At the entrance to the convent proper they were met by an elderly nun, who brought the lady superior's compliments and begged leave to announce that refreshments were laid in the receiving-parlor, if the Duke of Hereward and Doctor Dubourg would do the house the honor to partake of them.
The young duke was tired and hungry from his long journey and longer fast, and gratefully accepted the sister's courteous invitation in his own and the doctor's name.
The nun led the way to the parlor, where a table was set out, not merely with slight refreshments, but with the first course of a dainty dinner, which the forethought of the abbess had caused to be prepared for her noble guest.
The duke and the doctor sat down to the table, and were attentively waited on by two of the elder sisterhood.