She could not finish--the shock was too violent; Fleur-de-Marie fainted in
the arms of her father.

Murphy ran to the door, opened it, and said, "Dr David instantly for his
royal highness; some one is ill!"

"Curses on me? I have killed her," cried Rudolph--in tears, kneeling before
his daughter. "Marie, my child, listen to me; it is your father.
Pardon--Oh! pardon for not having retained this secret longer. I have
killed her!"

"Calm yourself, my lord," said Clemence; "there is, doubtless, no danger.
See her cheeks are tinged with color; it is the shock--only the shock."

"But hardly convalescent, she will die. Woe is me!"

At this moment, David, the black physician, entered precipitately: holding
in his hands a small box filled with vials, and a paper, which he handed to
Murphy.

"David, my child is dying. I have saved your life--you must save my child!"
cried Rudolph.

Although amazed at these words of the prince, who spoke of his child, the
doctor ran to Fleur-de-Marie, whom Lady d'Harville held in her arms, took
hold of the young girl's pulse, placed his hand on her forehead, and
turning toward Rudolph, who, pained and alarmed, awaited his doom, he said:
"There is no danger, let your highness be assured."

"You speak the truth--no danger--none?"