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 acquaintance sent to the castle to learn the particulars of it; how Mademoiselle Clermont was, and whether Madame D'Alembert was expected?

The respect of the servants to the commands of their lady did not expire with her; and, in conformity to the last she had issued, they answered the inquiries concerning the cause of her death, by saying that it was owing to a severe cold.

A dead calm now reigned throughout the castle; the domestics had nothing to do but to lament, and Madeline passed her time in wandering about the castle, like a ghost round the scene of its former happiness, or in watching by the pale remains of her friend, alternately wishing, alternately fearing the arrival of Madame D'Alembert. Ere she came, Father Bertrand determined to have the body of the Countess secured within its coffin, trusting by this measure to conceal for ever the injury it had suffered;