At the first touch, Norbert started to his feet with a shriek of terror.

With mingled fear and pity, Jean noticed the look that shone in the young man's eyes, more like that of some hunted animal than a human being.
"Do not be alarmed, M.Norbert; it is only I," said he.
"And what do you want ?" "I came to look for you, and to entreat you to come back with me to Champdoce." "Back to Champdoce ?" repeated Norbert hoarsely; "no, never!" "You must, Master Norbert; for your absence now would cause a terrible scandal.

Your place at this critical time is by the bedside of your father." "Never! never!" repeated the poor boy; but he yielded passively when Jean passed his arm through his, and led him away towards the Chateau.
Supported thus by the old man's arm, he crossed the courtyard, and ascended the staircase; but at his father's door he withdrew his hand, and struggled to get away.
"I will not; no, no, I cannot," gasped he.
"You must and you shall," returned the old man firmly.

"Whatever your feelings may be, no stain shall rest on the family honor." These words roused Norbert; he stepped across the room, and dropped on his knees by the bed, placing his forehead upon his father's icy hand.
He burst into a passion of tears and sobs, and the simple peasants, who surrounded the couch of the insensible nobleman, breathed a sigh; for, from his pallid face and burning eyes, they believed he must be mad.
They were not far out in this surmise; but the tears relieved his over-wrought brain, and with this relief came the sense of intense suffering.

When the physician arrived, he was able to appear before him merely as a deeply anxious son.
"There is no hope for the Duke, I regret to say," said the medical man, who felt that it was useless to keep Norbert in suspense.