She felt that as she brought with her the person the dying man wished to see, her own admission was assured.

Casting a rapid glance at all those in the room and noticing the count's confessor there, she glided up to him with a sort of amble, not exactly bowing yet seeming to grow suddenly smaller, and respectfully received the blessing first of one and then of another priest.

"God be thanked that you are in time," said she to one of the priests; "all we relatives have been in such anxiety.

This young man is the count's son," she added more softly.

" What a terrible moment!" Having said this she went up to the doctor.