Some one knocked lightly and discreetly at the door; Rudolph started in impatience; Murphy rose and went to see who was there. Through the half-open door an aid-de-camp of the prince said a few words to the knight, in a low tone. He answered by a sign, and, turning toward Rudolph, said, "Will your highness permit me to be absent for a moment? Some one wishes to speak to me on business of importance." "Go," answered the prince. Hardly had Murphy departed, than Rudolph, uttering a heavy sigh concealed his face in his hands. "Oh!" cried he, "that which I feel alarms me. My heart overflows with hatred; the presence of my best friend weighs me down; the memory of a pure and noble love importunes and troubles me, and then--it is cowardly and unworthy. But last night I learned, with savage joy, the death of Sarah--of this unnatural mother, who has caused the death of my child. I amused myself in beholding the ravings and torments of the horrid monster who killed my daughter--oh, madness!--I arrived too late. Yet, yesterday I did not suffer so; and yesterday, as to-day, I thought my child dead--oh! yes; but I did not say to myself these words which henceforth will imbitter my life: 'I have seen my daughter; I have spoken to her; I have admired all that was adorable in her. Oh! how much time I might have passed at that farm! When I think that I only went there three times; yes, no more; and I could have gone there every day--to see my child every day! What do I say to keep her ever with me!' Oh! such shall be my punishment." Suddenly the door of the cabinet opened, and Murphy entered; he was very pale--so pale that the prince half arose, and cried, "Murphy, what is the matter?" "Nothing, my lord." "You are very pale." "It is astonishment." "What astonishment?" "Madame d'Harville!" "Madame d'Harville? Some new misfortune!" "No, no, my lord, reassure yourself; she is there in the parlor." "She here! in my house! it is impossible!" "I tell your highness, the surprise---" "Such a step on her part--but what is the matter, in the name of heaven?" "I do not know--I cannot explain what I feel." "You conceal something from me." "On my honor, no. I do not know what she meant?" "But what did she say?" "'Sir Walter,' and although her voice trembled, her face was beaming with joy, 'my presence here must surprise you very much; but there are certain circumstances so important, that they leave no time to think of appearances. Entreat his highness to grant me, immediately, an audience in your presence; for I know that the prince has no better friend. I should have begged him to come to my own house, but that would have delayed our interview for an hour, which the prince will confess should not have been retarded a moment,' added she, with an expression which made me tremble."