"Why you may know (said she) by the short stay which Madeline has made with you, that I have not long concealed it from you. I was only taken ill the evening after she left me; and, had I grown better, I should yet a little longer, in compliance with your wishes, have debarred myself the pleasure of her company. But do not distress me (she continued, raising herself in her chair, and looking round with her wonted benignancy), by this melancholy; I am already better; your presence, my friends, like a rich and precious cordial, has revived me."
The exertion she made cheered her friends; and the conversation soon took a more cheerful turn. Madame Chatteneuf apologised for not coming at an earlier hour, by assigning the reason of her delay; and the Countess sincerely congratulated her on an event which had given her such pleasure.
