Perhaps, as M. Linders lay there, he also preached to himself a little sermon, after his own peculiar fashion, for when, at the end of half an hour, he once more aroused himself, all signs of agitation had disappeared, and it was with a perfect calmness that he continued the conversation.  Graham could not but admire this composure in the man whom but just now he had seen shaken with passion and exhausted with conflicting emotions; whom indeed he had had to help, and judge for, and support in his hour of weakness and suffering; whilst now M. Linders had resumed his air of calm superiority as the man of the world, which seemed at once to repel and forbid support and sympathy from the youth and inexperience at his side.

“You are right, Monsieur,” he said, breaking the silence abruptly, and speaking in a clear, though feeble voice, “Madelon must go her aunt.  Did I understand you to say you would take charge of her to Liege?”

“I will certainly,” said Graham; “if——­”

“I am exceedingly indebted to you,” said M. Linders, “but I am afraid such a journey may interfere with your own plans.”

“Not in the least,” replied Graham.  “I am only travelling for amusement, and have no one to consult but myself.”

“Ah—­well, I shall not interfere with your amusement long; and in the meantime, believe me, I am sensible of your goodness.  It may make matters easier if you take a letter from me to my sister.  I am afraid I cannot write myself, but I could dictate—­if it be not troubling you too much—­there are a pen and ink somewhere there; and if you could give me anything—­I still feel rather faint.”

Graham rose, gave him another cordial, drew a small table to the bedside, and sat down to write.  M. Linders considered for a moment, and then began to dictate.

“Ma soeur,—­We parted five and twenty years ago, with a mutual determination never to see each other again—­a resolution which has been perfectly well kept, and which there is no danger of our breaking now, as I shall be in my grave before you read this letter; and you will have the further consolation of reflecting that, as we have never met again in this world, neither is there any probability of our doing so in another——­”

“Pardon me,” said Graham, laying down his pen, as M. Linders dictated these last words, “but you are about to recommend your child to your sister’s care; of what use can it be to begin with words that can only embitter any ill-feeling there may have been between you?”

“But it is a great consolation I am offering her there,” says M. Linders, in his feeble voice.  “However, as you will—­ recommencons; but no more interruptions, Monsieur, for my strength is not inexhaustible.”