"He tarried till life seemed returning, and then reluctantly departed for the castle, where he had been summoned, he said, above an hour before." "To the castle!" repeated Marie internally.

"Ay, he will do his duty, though his heart be breaking.

He will take his place and act his part, and men will report him calm, wise, collected, active as his wont, and little dream his wife, his treasured wife, has bowed his lofty spirit to the dust, and laid low his light of home.

Tell me when he returns," she said aloud, "and bid all leave me but yourself." Two hours passed, and Marie lay outwardly still and calm, neither speaking nor employed.

But at the end of that time she started up hastily, resumed the robe which had been cast aside, and remained standing, as intently listening to some distant sound.