"Confound the man! Why has he so much science?" said the count, knowing that he could not confide the young girl to more able hands. "Eh! It is simple enough," said the doctor, in a whisper. "I have a great deal of science because I study, because I experimentalise, because I risk and practise a great deal on my subjects; and so, old fellow, I shall still have my slow nervous fever,--eh?" "Yes; but is it safe to move this young girl?" "Certainly." "Then, for the love of heaven, disappear with your train!" "Come, gentlemen," said the prince of science, "we shall be deprived of a precious study; but I will make my reports on it to you." And Doctor Griffon, with his suite, continued his round, leaving M. de Saint-Remy and Madame d'Harville with Mlle. de Fermont. During this scene, Mlle. de Fermont, still in a swoon, had been attended to by Clemence and the two nuns. Saint-Remy said in a low tone to Clemence: "And the mother of this unhappy girl, madame?" The marchioness replied, in a voice deeply affected: "She has no longer a mother, sir. I learnt yesterday only, on my return, the address of Madame de Fermont, and her dying condition; at one o'clock in the morning I went to her with a medical man. Ah, sir, what a fiction! It was misery in all its horror! And no hope of saving the poor mother, whose last words were, 'My daughter!'" "What a death! Good heaven! And she so tender, so devoted a mother,--it is frightful!" "I will watch her until she can be moved," said Clemence, "and, when she can be removed, I will take her with me." "Ah, madame, bless you for what you say and do!" said M. de Saint-Remy. "But excuse me for not having before mentioned my name to you, I am the Comte de Saint-Remy; Madame de Fermont's husband was my most intimate friend. I live at Angers, and left that city from uneasiness at not receiving any news of these two noble and excellent women; they had until then lived in that city, and were said to be completely ruined, which was the more terrible as until then they had lived in ease and plenty." "Ah, sir! you do not know all; Madame de Fermont was shamefully robbed." "By her notary, perhaps? I had my suspicions." "That man was a monster, sir! Alas! that was not the only crime he committed; but fortunately," said Clemence, with excitement, as she thought of Rodolph, "a providential genius had compelled him to do justice, and I was enabled to close Madame de Fermont's eyes, assuring her as to the future provision for her daughter; thus her death was rendered less cruel." "I understand; knowing her daughter to have your support henceforth, my poor friend died more tranquil." "Not only is my interest excited for ever towards Mlle. de Fermont, but her fortune will be restored to her." "Her fortune! The notary--"