It was more than the irony of fate; it was the manifest punishment of an angry Divinity.

She shed no tear for her brother's death.

Her thoughts were all firmly fixed on Norbert, and that fearful announcement made in the house of God rang still in her ears.

What could be the meaning of this sudden arrangement, and why had the marriage been so suddenly decided on?
She felt that some mystery lay beneath it all, and vowed that she would fathom it to its nethermost depths.

What was it that had taken place at Champdoce?
Had the Duke, contrary to Daumon's prognostications, recovered?
Had he discovered his son' insidious attack upon his life, and only pardoned it upon a blind compliance being given to his will?
She passed away the whole day in these vain suppositions, and tried to think of every plan to stay the celebration of this union, for she had not given up her hopes, nor did she yet despair of ultimate success.