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together and separated. You can occupy the post of reader or companion to the clanphiness ; she will draw with yon, she will always keep you near her ; probably you will never appear in public, but you will enjoy her immediate protection, and consequently, will inspire envy. That is what you fear, is it not ? “
    ” Yes, my brother.”
    ” However,” said the baron, ” we shall not grieve for such a trifle as one or two envious persons. Get better quickly, therefore, Andre, and I shall have the pleasure of taking you to Trianon myself ; it is the dauphiness’s commands.”
    “Very well, father, I shall go.”
    ” Apropos, Philip, have you any money ? ” asked the baron.
    ” If you want some, sir,” replied the young man, ” I have not enough to offer you ; if yon wish to give me some, I shall answer you, on the contrary, that I have enough for myself.”
     
    MEMOIRS OF A PHYSICIAN. 47
    ” True ; you are a philosopher,” said the baron, laughing sarcastically. ” Are you a philosopher, also, Andre, who has nothing to ask from me, or is there anything you wish for ? “
    ” I am afraid of embarrassing you, father.”
    ” Oh, we are not at Taverney now. The king has sent me five hundred louis-d’ors ; on account, his majesty said. Think of your wardrobe, Andre.”
    ” Thank you, my dear father,” said the young girl, joyously.
    ” There, there ‘ said the baron, ” see the extremes ; only a minute ago she wanted nothing, now she would ruin the Emperor of China. But no matter, ask ; fine dresses will become you well, Andre.”
    Then, giving her a very affectionate kiss, the baron opened the door of an apartment which separated his own from his daughter’s chamber, and left the room, saying :
    “That cursed Nicole is not here to show me light.”
    ” Shall I ring for her, father ? “
    ” No ; I have La Brie, who is sleeping in some armchair or other. Good night, my children.”
    Philip now rose in his turn.
    “Goodnight, brother,” said Andre. “I am dreadfully tired. It is the first time I have spoken so much since my accident. Good night, dear Philip.”
    And she gave her hand to the young man, who kissed it with brotherly affection, but at the same time with a sort of respect with which his sister always inspired him, and retired, touching, as he passed, the door behind which Gilbert was concealed.
    “Shall I call Nicole ?” asked he, as he left the room.
    “No, no,” said Andre j ” I can undress alone j adieu, Philip.”
     
    48 MEMOIRS OF A PHYSICIAN.
    CHAPTER VII.
    WHAT GILBERT HAD FORESEEN”.
    WHEN Andre was alone, she rose from the chair, and a shudder passed through Gilbert’s frame.
    The young girl stood upright, and with her hands, white as alabaster, she took the hair-pins one by one from her headdress, while the light shawl in which she was wrapped slipped from her shoulders, and showed her snowy graceful neck, and her arms, which, raised carelessly above her head, displayed to advantage the muscles of her exquisite throat and bosom, palpitating under the cambric.
    Gilbert, on his knees, breathless, intoxicated, felt the blood rush furiously to his heart and forehead. Fiery waves circulated in his veins, a cloud of flame descended over his sight, and strange, feverish noises boiled in his ears. His state of mind bordered on madness. He was on the point of crossing the threshold of Andre’s door, and cr-ying :
    “Yes, thou art beautiful, thou art indeed beautiful. But be not so proud of thy beauty, for thou owest it to me I saved thy life ! “
    All at once, a knot in her waist-band embarrassed the young girl ; she became impatient, stamped with her foot, and sat down, weak and trembling, on her bed, as if this slight obstacle had overcome her strength. Then, bending toward the cord of the bell, she pulled it impatiently.
    This noise recalled Gilbert to his senses. Nicole had left the door open to hear, therefore she would come.
    ” Farewell, my dream ! ” murmured he. ”