Fleur-de-Marie! But I pray you, where is she at this moment?"

"Near Asnieres, in the house of one of the physicians of this hospital--Dr.
Griffon, who, notwithstanding some oddities which I deplore, has excellent
qualities."

"And she is now out of danger?"

"Yes, madame; but only since two or three days. Today she is allowed to
write to her protectors."

"Oh! it is I, my lord, I who will do this, or rather, it is I who will have
the joy of conducting her to those, who, believing her dead, regret her so
bitterly."

"I appreciate those regrets, madame; for it is impossible to know
Fleur-de-Marie without being charmed with her angelic qualities: her grace
and sweetness exercise on all those who approach her an unbounded
influence. The woman who saved her, and who has since watched her night and
day, as she would have watched her own child, is a courageous and
determined person, but of a temper so habitually violent, that she has been
called La Louve--judge! Well! a word from Fleur-de-Marie can calm her. I
have heard her sob and utter cries of despair, when, at one time, Dr.
Griffon had but little hopes of saving Fleur-de-Marie."

"That does not astonish me--I know La Louve."

"You, madame?" said Saint Remy, surprised; "you know La Louve?"

"It must surprise you, truly, my lord," said the marchioness, smiling