far away--brought him back to his home.

His features were so distorted with suffering that Mme. d'Escorval, on
seeing him, was seized with a most sinister presentiment, and dared not
address him.

He spoke first.

"All is over!" he said, hoarsely, "but do not be worried, mother; I have
some courage, as you shall see."

He did, in fact, seat himself at the table with a resolute air. He ate
even more than usual; and his father noticed, without alluding to it,
that he drank much more wine than usual.

He was very pale, his eyes glittered, his gestures were excited, and his
voice was husky. He talked a great deal, and even jested.

"Why will he not weep," thought Mme. d'Escorval; "then I should not be
so much alarmed, and I could try to comfort him."

This was Maurice's last effort. When dinner was over he went to his
room, and when his mother, who had gone again and again to listen at his
door, finally decided to enter his chamber, she found him lying upon the
bed, muttering incoherently.

She approached him. He did not appear to recognize or even to see her.
She spoke to him. He did not seem to hear. His face was scarlet, his
lips were parched. She took his hand; it was burning; and still he was
shivering, and his teeth were chattering as if with cold.