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Raget?" she asked, haughtily. "Yes, madame; I have done. My only object was to spare you eternal remorse. Good-day." The good doctor was mistaken in his idea of Mme. de la Verberie's character. She was utterly incapable of feeling remorse; but she suffered cruelly when her selfish vanity was wounded, or her comfort disturbed.
She unwillingly went to her daughter's room, and saw that her life was in danger. The countess betrayed no apprehension, but sent to Tarascon for Dr. Raget, who was the oracle of the neighborhood; he was with the Marquis of Clameran when he died. Dr. Raget was one of those men who leave a blessed memory, which lives long after they have left this world.
"No, madame," answered Dr. Raget with cutting irony, "your maternal tenderness need not be alarmed. All the poor child needs is rest of mind, which you alone can give her. A few kind words from you will do her more good than all of my prescriptions. But remember, madame, that the least shock or nervous excitement will produce the most fatal consequences."
Alas! why had she not a wise and kind adviser to point out the right course to pursue, and assist her in struggling against evil influences? Why had she not that gentle, discreet friend who had inspired her with hope and courage in her first dark sorrow Dr. Raget?
Raget, knew the truth; and, although Mme. de la Verberie hated him from the bottom of her heart, she did him the justice to feel sure that she had nothing to fear from his indiscretion. Her first visit was paid to him. When she entered the room, she abruptly threw on the table the official papers which she had procured especially for him.
But the blow had struck too deeply. When Dr. Raget arrived he said there was no hope. "At daybreak, the marquis recovered consciousness enough to ask for M. Louis, with whom he remained alone for some minutes. The last words he uttered were, 'Father and son the same day; there will be rejoicing at La Verberie."
"I do not understand you, Dr. Raget," she murmured. "But I understand you, madame; and I simply tell you that a crime does not obliterate a fault." "Doctor!" "I merely say what I think, madame. If I am mistaken in my impression, so much the better for you. At present, the condition of your daughter is serious, but not dangerous.
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