A guard had been placed at the gate, and an officer stationed there to receive the names of the stream of visitors from the city, and to inform them that the count was making satisfactory progress.

By the doctor's orders, even the count's most intimate friends were refused admission, as absolute quiet was needed.
Fergus dismounted at the gate, and walked up to the house.

The maid who opened the door recognized him at once.
"Will you come in, sir ?" she said, with a beaming face.

"I will tell the young countess you are here; and she will, I am sure, see you." A minute later, the girl ran down the stairs.

As she came forward she stopped, with sudden shyness.