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 father of Viola's husband was a near relation of the Marquis and next heir to his titles if he died without issue.

"As soon as I discovered I had a son in existence (said the Marquis), I wrote to Monsieur D'Alembert, whose chateau is about four leagues from this, acquainting him with the joyful event, and requesting his immediate presence, well convinced, from the generosity of his disposition, that he would rather rejoice than grieve at the discovery, though the means of destroying his prospect of my title and fortunes. I received a letter from him, breathing the warmest congratulations; and assuring me he would instantly have obeyed my summons, had not domestic calamity interposed to prevent his doing so. A dispatch had just arrived from his son, he continued, informing him of the illness of Madame D'Alembert."

"Her illness!" cried Madeline, turning pale.