"Confounded man, why have you so much science?" said the count, knowing that in truth he could not confide Miss de Fermont to more skillful hands. "Eh! it is very plain," whispered the doctor in his ear. "I have much science, because I experiment, because I risk and practice much on my _subjects_. Now, shall I have my slow fever, old growler?" "Yes, but can this lady be removed?" "Certainly." "Then, for heaven's sake! retire." "Come, sirs," said the prince of science, "we shall be deprived of a precious study, but I'll keep you informed of the case." And Dr. Griffon, accompanied by his numerous attendants, continued his rounds, leaving Saint Rémy and Madame d'Harville with Claire de Fermont. CHAPTER XX. FLEUR-DE-MARIE. During the scene which we have just described, Claire, Still in her fainting fit, was delivered to the tender care and attentions of Clémence and the sisters; one of the latter sustained her drooping head, while Lady d'Harville, leaning over the bed, wiped away with her handkerchief the cold sweat from the brow of the patient. Profoundly affected, Saint Rémy contemplated this touching picture, when a sudden thought struck him, and he drew near Clémence, and said in a low tone: "And the mother of this unfortunate, madame?" The marchioness turned toward Saint Rémy, and answered, with sadness, "She has no longer a mother, my lord." "Dead!" "I only learned last night, on my return, the address of Madame de Fermont, and her alarming situation. At one o'clock in the morning I was with her, accompanied by my physician. Oh! sir, what a picture! poverty in all its horrors--and no hope of saving the expiring mother!" "Oh! how frightful must have been her agony, if the thought of her daughter was present!" "Her last words were--my daughter!" "What a death! she, the tender mother, so devoted. It is terrible!" Here one of the sisters entered, interrupting the conversation, and said to the lady: "The young lady is very feeble--she scarcely has any consciousness; in a short time she may revive. If you do not fear to remain here, madame, and wait until she comes to herself, I will offer you my chair." "Give it to me," said Clémence, taking a seat along-side of the bed. "I will not take my eyes from her; I wish that she should, at least, see a friendly face when she recovers; then I will take her with me, since the doctor decides that she can be removed without danger." "Oh! madame, may God bless you for what you do," said Saint Rémy; "but pardon me for not having told you my name--so much sorrow! so much emotion!--I am the Count de Saint Rémy; the husband of Madame de Fermont was my most intimate friend. I live at Angers. I left that city because I was uneasy at not having received any news from these two noble and worthy women. I have since heard that they have been completely ruined." "Oh! sir, you do not know all. Madame Fermont has been most cruelly despoiled!"