plucked the rose-leaves, and now they lie withered in the grasp. My youth
flies me--age scowls on me from the distance; an age of frivolities that I
once scorned; yet--yet, had I formed a different creed, how much I might
have done! But--but, out on this cant! My nerves are shattered, and I
prate nonsense. Lend me your arm, Constance, let us go into the saloon,
and send for music!"

And all that night Constance watched by the side of Godolphin, and marked
in mute terror the convulsions that wrung his sleep, the foam that
gathered to his lip, the cries that broke from his tongue. But she was
rewarded when, with the grey dawn, he awoke, and, catching her tender and
tearful gaze, flung himself upon her bosom, and bade God bless her for her
love!


CHAPTER LXIII.

A MEETING BETWEEN CONSTANCE AND THE PROPHETESS.

A strange suspicion had entered Constance's mind, and for Godolphin's sake
she resolved to put it to the proof. She drew her mantle round her
stately figure, put on a large disguising bonnet, and repaired to Madame
Liehbur's house.

The Moorish girl opened the door to the countess; and her strange dress,
her African hue and features, relieved by the long, glittering pendants in
her ears, while they seemed suited to the eccentric reputation of her
mistress, brought a slight smile to the proud lip of Lady Erpingham, as
she conceived them a part of the charlatanism practised by the soothsayer.
The girl only replied to Lady Erpingham's question by an intelligent sign;