the cupidity of trade extracted from the silly and vain in the way of sheer
contributions to avarice. It is probable the unfortunate young lady would
have lost her consciousness, under the weight of this blow, had it not
been for the sound of her grandmother's feeble voice calling her to the
bedside. This was a summons that Adrienne never disregarded, and, for
the moment, she forgot her causes of grief.

"My poor Adrienne," whispered Madame de la Rocheaimard in a tone
of tenderness that her granddaughter had not heard for some weeks,
"my poor Adrienne, the hour is near when we must part--"

"Grand-mamma!--dearest grand-mamma!"

"Nay, love, God wills it. I am old, and I feel death upon me. It is happy
that he comes so gently, and when I am so well prepared to meet him.
The grave has views, that no other scene offers, Adrienne! Noble blood
and ancient renown are as nothing compared to God's mercy and
forgiveness. Pardon me if I have ever taught thy simple heart to dwell on
vanities; but it was a fault of the age. This world is all vanity, and I can
now see it when it is too late. Do not let MY fault be THY fault, child of
my love. Kiss me, Adrienne, pray for my soul when all is over."

"Yes, dearest, dearest grand-mamma, thou know'st I will."

"Thou must part with the rest of the trousseau to make thyself
comfortable when I am gone."

"I will do as thou wishest, dearest grand-mamma."

"Perhaps it will raise enough to purchase thee four or five hundred