He could rest soundly in the grave." "I will go and see," cried Madame, catching Phebe by the arm.
"Pray God you may find him dead," he answered, with a low, miserable laugh, ending in a sob.

He was mad; neither Madame nor Phebe had a doubt of it.

They put the children before them, and bade them run away to the nursery, while they followed up the broad old staircase.

Madame went into her son's bedroom; but in a few seconds she returned to Phebe with an anxious face.
"He is not there," she said, "nor Felicita.

She is in her own sitting-room, where she likes not to be followed.