CHAPTER X.
A THUNDERBOLT.
As the miner, who sets fire to the fuse and seeks shelter from the coming explosion, so did Diana de Laurebourg return to her father's house after her visit to Daumon.

During dinner it was impossible for her to utter a word, and it was with the greatest difficulty that she succeeded in swallowing a mouthful.

Fortunately neither her father nor mother took any notice of her.

They had that day received a letter announcing the news that their son, for whose future prosperity they had sacrificed Diana, was lying dangerously ill in Paris, where he was living in great style.

They were in terrible affliction, and spoke of starting at once, so as to be with him.