There was no need of being in such a hurry.

She, however, seemed feverishly nervous, and insisted that the ceremony should take place immediately--yes, as soon as possible.

Hubertine, surprised at the request, having a suspicion as to the true motive of this eagerness, looked at her earnestly for a moment, and turned very pale as she realised how slight was the cold breath which still attached her daughter to life.

The dear invalid had already grown calm, in her tender need of consoling others and keeping them under an illusion, although she knew personally that her case was hopeless.

Hubert and Felicien, in continual adoration before their idol, had neither seen nor felt anything unusual.