Father Bertrand now determined that the funeral of the Countess should take place that night, well knowing that, while her remains continued in the house, the feelings of her daughter would not subside, and accordingly issued the necessary orders for that purpose. Madeline staid by the bedside of Madame D'Alembert till the hour fixed on for the removal of the body, though, like every other person, she was totally unnoticed by her: the weakness she had been seized with, rendering her as unable, as from affliction she was unwilling to converse with any one. An express was sent for the surgeon who had attended the Countess, and he quieted the apprehensions of the family about her, by saying, that he trusted attention and time would restore her to her usual state of health. Madeline continued by her, as I have already said, till the hour for the funeral drew nigh; she then resigned her seat to Madame D'Alembert's woman, and descended to the hall, which was again lit up with all its usual splendour; but
