The secretary rose, went to see who knocked, remained a moment without, and then returned with two letters in his hand, saying: "The princess has profited by the departure of a courier to--" "Give me the letter!" cried his master, without leaving him time to finish.

"At length," he added, "I shall have news of my mother--" He had scarcely read the first few lines of the letter, when he grew deadly pale, and his features took an expression of painful astonishment and poignant grief.

"My mother!" he cried, "oh, heavens! my mother!" "What misfortune has happened!" asked Rodin, with a look of alarm, as he rose at the exclamation of his master.
"The symptoms of improvement were fallacious," replied the other, dejectedly; "she has now relapsed into a nearly hopeless state.

And yet the doctor thinks my presence might save her, for she calls for me without ceasing.

She wishes to see me for the last time, that she may die in peace.