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 the imagination of Madeline was affected by what Floretta had said the preceding night, or whether it really was the case, she thought there was no alteration in her countenance to support this assertion; the same look of languor and dejection prevailed; and she involuntarily repeated her enquiry with an earnestness that intimated the doubt she harboured, and hinted a wish of having a physician sent for.

"I thank you for this kind anxiety about me, my dear girl (said the Countess); but I can with truth assure you I am better; and even if I was not, I should never think of sending for a physician; medical skill (continued she in a low voice), could be of little avail in my malady."

"Ah! (thought Madeline) this is indeed a confirmation of all that Floretta told me; she gives me to understand by those words, that her malady is upon her mind;—would to heaven I could alleviate it!"